The effect of endotoxin adsorber hemoperfusion on microcirculation in patients with severe sepsis and septic shock

Microcirculatory dysfunction may result in multiple organ dysfunction during severe sepsis and septic shock.(1) A meta-analysis of randomized trials showed that polymyxin B hemoperfusion (PMX-HP), plasma exchange, and hemofiltration were associated with lower mortality.(2) Mesenteric microcirculation was better maintained with polymyxin B hemoperfusion in one rat sepsis study.(3) However, the effects of polymyxin B hemoperfusion on the microcirculation in patients with severe sepsis and septic shock was unknown.