The Role of Blood Purification by Hemoadsorption as Adjunctive Treatment in Children With Septic Shock

Summary

Sepsis is a major healthcare problem and leading cause of death in the pediatric population. Despite advances in supportive care of critically ill patients, sepsis remains an important cause of death worldwide in children. Overall, sepsis incidence peaked in early childhood. There were an estimated 20.3 million incident sepsis cases worldwide among children younger than 5 years. The Surviving Sepsis Campaign (SSC), which standardized the evidence-base approach to management of septic shock and other sepsis-associated organ dysfunction in children, was recently updated. Nevertheless, mortality and costs are still high.

Sepsis is characterized by a complex systemic inflammatory response to a microbial pathogen. A dysregulated host response to infection may result in life-threatening multi-organ dysfunction. Endotoxin, which is found in the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria, plays an important role in the pathogenesis of septic shock by producing proinflammatory cytokines. High levels of endotoxin and proinflammatory cytokines are associated with a high mortality rate.

Treatment strategies in sepsis and septic shock include early and adequate fluid resuscitation, vasopressors and inotropic support when indicated, early use of broad-spectrum antibiotics with source control, with close monitoring and organ support, if indicated. Other therapies such as immune-modulation and blood purification have been tried to improve outcomes in patients with sepsis and septic shock. Immunomodulation and blood purification techniques aim at restoring the balance of the immune response to infection, by removing the triggers for the response and the cytokines produced and thereby achieve immune homeostasis. Removing endotoxin and inflammatory cytokines would be an effective adjunctive approach in the management of severe sepsis.

Direct hemoadsorption (HA) is an extracorporeal technique utilized for blood purification. It involves the passage of blood through an adsorption cartridge, where solutes are removed by direct binding to the sorbent material. Over the years, new adsorption cartridge, with improved characteristics have been developed. Resin-directed hemoadsorption is associated with improved oxygenation, hemodynamic status and cardiac function. However, most studies include only adults, and little information is available regarding the clinical experience and efficacy of blood purification for pediatric septic shock.

This pilot study aimed to evaluate the overall clinical outcomes among children who received direct hemoadsorption as an adjunctive treatment for refractory septic shock with high severity scores, compared with outcomes among children admitted to the PICU who received standard treatment.

Conditions

• Septic Shock
• Multi Organ Failure

Interventions

DEVICE

HA330 hemoadsorption technique

Hemoadsorption (HA) treatment An HA330 disposable hemoperfusion cartridge (HA330; Jafron, Zhuhai City, China) was used with a continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) machine (Aquarius® or Primaflex®) in the intervention group. We will select a blood circuit for each machine according to the patient's body weight. Vascular access will be established with ultrasound-guided insertion of a double-lumen venous catheter into the right internal jugular or femoral vein. HA will be performed for a maximum of 4 hours, and the second session will be started approximately 24 hours after the end of the first session. The blood flow rate will be started low and be gradually increased while monitoring real-time blood pressure and vital signs with an arterial-line monitor. After the end of the HA session, CRRT will be continued if required.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Chulalongkorn University

  lead OTHER

Study Design

Allocation

NON_RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

NONE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

1 Month

Max Age

15 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2021-07-01

Primary Completion

2022-04-30

Completion

2022-04-30

Countries

• Thailand

Study Locations