Investigation of plasma exchange and hemoperfusion effects and complications for the treatment of patients with severe COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) disease: A systematic scoping review.

Some previous studies suggested that the plasma exchange (PE) and hemoperfusion (HP) played a cardinal role in the treatment of severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases by diminishing the cytokine storm. This study aimed to assess the effects of PE and HP on cytokine storms in patients with severe COVID-19 through a systematic scoping review. Four Electronic databases (Medline [accessed from PubMed], Scopus, Science Direct, and Cochrane library) were searched systematically on February 2, 2021, using MESH terms and related keywords in the English language. Considering the titles and abstracts, unrelated studies were excluded. The full texts of the remained studies were evaluated by authors, independently. Then, their findings were assessed and reported. A total of 755 articles were obtained within the first step of searching, and 518 remained after removing the duplications. Through the title and abstract screening, 438 were removed. Of the rest, 59 papers were excluded. Finally, after reading the full text of the remained articles, 21 were included in data extraction. Most of the previously reported evidence were case reports and case series. Findings were summarized in two categories. The first category encompassed nine studies regarding HP and continuous renal replacement therapy, and the second category included twelve studies about PE. The results revealed that HP and PE within the cytokine storm phase would be beneficial with a high probability in the treatment of severely ill COVID-19 patients. Highlights Some studies showed that plasma exchange (PE) and hemoperfusion (HP) played an important role in the treatment of patients with severe COVID-19 disease. The results of this systematic scoping review revealed that HP and PE within the cytokine storm phase would be beneficial with a high probability in the treatment of severely ill COVID-19 patients.

The effect of perioperative hemadsorption in patients operated for acute infective endocarditis-A randomized controlled study.

Patients operated for infective endocarditis (IE) are at high risk of developing an excessive systemic hyperinflammatory state, resulting in systemic inflammatory response syndrome and septic shock. Hemoadsorption (HA) by cytokine adsorbers has been successfully applied to remove inflammatory mediators. This randomized controlled trial investigates the effect of perioperative HA therapy on inflammatory parameters and hemodynamic status in patients operated for IE. A total of 20 patients were randomly assigned to either HA therapy or the control group. HA therapy was initiated intraoperatively and continued for 24 hours postoperatively. Cytokine levels (IL-6, IL-1b, TNF-α), leukocytes, C-reactive protein (CRP), and Procalcitonin (PCT) as well as catecholamine support, and volume requirement were compared between both groups. Operative procedures included aortic (n = 7), mitral (n = 6), and multiple valve surgery (n = 7). All patients survived to discharge. No significant differences concerning median cytokine levels (IL-6 and TNF-α) were observed between both groups. CRP and PCT baseline levels were significantly higher in the HA group (59.5 vs. 26.3 mg/dL, P = .029 and 0.17 vs. 0.05 µg/L, P = .015) equalizing after surgery. Patients in the HA group required significantly higher doses of vasopressors (0.093 vs. 0.025 µg/kg/min norepinephrine, P = .029) at 12 hours postoperatively as well as significantly more overall volume replacement (7217 vs. 4185 mL at 12 hours, P = .015; 12 021 vs. 4850 mL at 48 hours, P = .015). HA therapy did neither result in a reduction of inflammatory parameters nor result in an improvement of hemodynamic parameters in patients operated for IE. For a more targeted use of HA therapy, appropriate selection criteria are required.

Early Cytokine Removal in Critical COVID-19 Patients with Extracorporeal Therapies (HA-380 plus High Volume Hemofiltration) May Prevent Progression of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome: Case Report.

We present the case of a patient who suffered from acute respiratory distress syndrome caused by pneumonia associated with COVID-19 and cytokine release syndrome. This patient received a high-volume hemofiltration plus adsorption, solving the hemodynamic deterioration, pulmonary infiltrates, and gas exchange. Our clinical case proposes that the extracorporeal therapies can have a role in the management of severe COVID-19.

Application of the Molecular Adsorbent Recirculating System in Type 1 Hepatorenal Syndrome in the Course of Alcohol-Related Acute on Chronic Liver Failure.

BACKGROUND This study aimed to evaluate the Molecular Adsorbent Recirculating System (MARS) effectiveness in patients with alcohol-related acute-on-chronic liver failure (AoCLF) complicated with type 1 hepatorenal syndrome (HRS). So far, MARS efficacy and safety has been demonstrated in various acute liver failure scenarios. MATERIAL AND METHODS Data from 41 MARS procedures (10 patients with type 1 HRS, in the course of alcohol-related AoCLF were considered for this study. Biochemical tests of blood serum were performed before and after each procedure. The condition of patients was determined before and after the treatment with the use of the model for end-stage liver disease - sodium (MELD-Na) and the stage of encephalopathy severity based on the West Haven criteria. RESULTS During the observation period (20.5±13.9 days), 5 patients died, and the remaining 5 surviving patients were discharged from the hospital. In the group of 10, the 14-day survival, starting from the first MARS treatment, was 90%. The MARS procedure was associated with a 19% reduction in bilirubin (27.5±6.1 versus 22.3±4.0 mg/dL, P<0.001), 37% reduction in ammonia (44.1±22.5 versus 27.6±20.9 P<0.001), 27% reduction in creatinine (1.5±1.0 versus 1.1±0.6 mg/dL, P<0.001) and 14% reduction urea (83.8±36.1 versus 72.1±33.3, P<0.001) in blood serum samples, with stable hemodynamic parameters. In the group of patients discharged from the clinic (n=5), the MARS treatments resulted in an improvement in hepatic encephalopathy (West Haven; P=0.043), as well as a reduction in the MELD-Na score (P=0.015). CONCLUSIONS MARS is a hemodynamically safe method for supporting the function of the liver and the kidneys. Application of the MARS reduces the symptoms of encephalopathy in patients with alcohol-related type 1 HRS.

Sequential Extracorporeal Therapy Collaborative Device and Timely Support for Endotoxic, Septic, and Cardiac Shock: A Case Report.

We report a 49-year-old man, without prior medical history, consulted in the emergency department with a 5 day history of cough, fever, and dysuria. He was admitted to the intensive care unit due to septic shock. Critical care management was initiated, including mechanical ventilation and vasopressors. Endotoxic shock was suspected (endotoxin activity assay [EAA] 0.75), and 2 treatments with Polymyxin B hemoperfusion (Toraymyxin®, Toray Medical Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan) were performed in 48 h, alternate with high-volume hemofiltration sessions. Initial blood cultures were positive for Neisseria meningitidis (serogroup B), and a lumbar puncture was deferred because of the coagulopathy and a bleeding risk. The circulatory efficiency significantly improved after the second procedure of hemoperfusion, and the treatment resulted in a marked decrease in the serum endotoxin level (EAA <0.4). However, after 48 h, tachycardia did not improve, left ventricular ejection fraction was 20%, and circulatory insufficiency progressed. Therefore, considering the involvement of septic cardiomyopathy and cardiogenic shock, veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) was initiated for circulation assistance on day 3 from admission. Continuous cytokine hemoadsorption (Cytosorb®, Cytosorbent Corporation, Monmouth Junction, NJ, USA) was incorporated into a VA-ECMO circuit for 48 h without a considerable improvement. For this reason, a 72-h continuous veno-venous hemodialysis session was started in which a high cutoff filter was used. Tachycardia and myocardial dysfunction improved by day 6, and VA-ECMO was withdrawn on the tenth day. Subsequently, nutrition management and rehabilitation were performed, and the patient was transferred to the department of respiratory medicine on day 80, he was discharged from our hospital on day 113. Sequential extracorporeal therapy may be beneficial when concomitant with circulatory assistance in uncontrollable cases of septic shock using catecholamines and blockers.

Effect of Hybrid Blood Purification Treatment on Secondary Hyperparathyroidism for Maintenance Hemodialysis Patients.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to investigate the effects of hybrid blood purification treatment on secondary hyperparathyroidism for maintenance hemodialysis (HD) patients. METHODS: A total of 40 patients were randomly divided into 2 groups: HD combined with hemoperfusion (HD + HP) group (n = 20) and HD group (n = 20). Changes in intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) in these 2 groups were compared before and after treatment, and iPTH levels in the HD + HP group were monitored before and after treatment. RESULTS: iPTH, ß2 microglobulin (ß2-MG), and cystatin C (CysC) levels were significantly lower in the HD + HP group than in the HD group (p < 0.05), iPTH levels were significantly higher than at the first day after treatment (p < 0.05), and iPTH level was significantly higher (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The clearance effects of HD + HP on iPTH, ß2-MG, and CysC are better than HD alone. Treatment with HD + HP every 2 weeks is recommended for maintenance HD patients.

Extended Sessions of Polymyxin-B Immobilized Fiber Column Hemoperfusion Ameliorate Renal Outcome and Mortality in Septic Shock with Acute Kidney Injury.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Polymyxin-B (PMX) treatment has been reported to decrease mortality in patients with septic shock and acute kidney injury (AKI). In this study, we aimed to evaluate whether extended sessions of PMX (Ext-PMX) immobilized fiber column hemoperfusion ameliorate clinical outcomes in patients complicated with septic shock and AKI without surgical control. METHODS: Twenty-two patients with nonsurgical septic shock and AKI who received PMX were included. They were divided according to the duration of PMX treatment: Ext-PMX and standard PMX (Std-PMX). RESULTS: The mean blood pressure increased and inotrope requirement decreased within 24 h after PMX initiation. The median value of predicted mortality was 52.5%, and the -28-day mortalities in the Ext-PMX and Std-PMX groups were 44.4 and 75% respectively. Renal replacement therapy (RRT) was also initiated in 17 patients, and renal insufficiency was recovered. CONCLUSION: Ext-PMX combined with RRT improved clinical outcomes in patients with nonsurgical septic shock and AKI.

The effect of hemoperfusion on patients with toxic encephalopathy induced by silkworm chrysalis ingestion.

This study aims to determine therapeutic effect of hemoperfusion on patients with acute toxic encephalopathy induced by silkworm chrysalis ingestion. Three patients who developed toxic encephalopathy after chrysalis ingestion were analysed. Two patients lost their consciousness, while two patients had typical extrapyramidal tremor symptoms. Further neurological examination revealed various degrees of muscle strength impairment in these patients. All of them received treatments of omeprazole (40 mg/day), furosemide (one dose of 20 mg), vitamin C (2.0 g/day), calcium gluconate (2.0 g/day) and rehydration with glucose and sodium chloride (1500 ml/day). In addition, they received hemoperfusion treatment for 1.5 h. All patients recovered well after hemoperfusion. Two patients with loss of consciousness significantly recovered at 45 min and 65 min after hemoperfusion, respectively. All tremor symptoms were completely resolved in these patients at 30 min, 50 min, and 70 min following treatment, respectively. After the hemoperfusion treatment, encephalopathy symptoms of two patients had completely disappeared. All patients were followed up for one month and did not report any abnormalities. Our study indicates that hemoperfusion could be a useful and efficient treatment strategy for patients with acute encephalopathy after silkworm chrysalis ingestion. Larger clinical trials with longer follow-up are warranted to confirm the clinical benefit of hemoperfusion.

[Methods of Molecular Transfusion in the Intensive Therapy of Critical States].

Development of extracorporeal blood purification acquires greater significance in the intensive care of multiple organ failures (MOF) with all the pathophysiological aspects of its constituent parts. MOF are the main cause of mortality among critically ill patients and treatment of these patients require significant investment. The purpose of the implementation of extracorporeal blood correction techniques today is multiple organ support therapy (MOST). Early extracorporeal therapy is used only in the treatment of renal failure. Today extracorporeal techniques are increasingly being used to replace the functions of various organs and systems. MOST includes diffusion, convection, filtration, sorption, apheresis methodic. They affect the molecular and electrolyte composition of blood, allow to correct, repair, replace, and maintain homeostasis in severe multiorgan dysfunction. Extracorporeal new molecular technologies have been successfully applied in the intensive care of severe heart and respiratory failure, acute kidney injury and acute hepatic dysfunction, in the treatment of severe sepsis, metabolic disorders, the correction of immune imbalance.

The optimal timing of hemoperfusion component in combined hemodialysis-hemoperfusion treatment for uremic toxins removal.

The combination of hemodialysis-hemoperfusion (HDHP) has been proved to be superior to hemodialysis (HD) in eliminating uremic toxins. There are two methods of combination of HD and HP: the HP regime is utilized during the first two-hour an early HP conducted HDHP (EHDHP) or the last two-hour late HP conducted HDHP (LHDHP) of 4 h regular HD session. The present study was to compare these two methods in uremic toxins removal. Twenty adult chronic HD patients were enrolled in this self-control method study. The patients were randomized to receive one session of EHDHP or LHDHP. Two weeks later, the dialysis modalities were switched. The reduction ratio (RR) of targeted uremic toxins for each session was assessed. Both EHDHP and LHDHP showed a significant removal of small water-soluble solutes, middle-sized toxins and cytokines as well (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences between two methods in RR of small water-soluble solutes, like urea and creatinine. For middle-sized molecules and cytokines, such as PTH, ß(2)-M, IL-1, IL-6, and TNF-α, the RR was markedly increased in LHDHP than that in EHDHP (p < 0.05). LHDHP showed no more intradialytic events than EHDHP. The combination of HD and HP in the last two hours in one hemodialysis session had more effect on eliminating middle-sized toxins and cytokines.

Favorable outcome with hemoperfusion of polymyxin B-immobilized fiber column for rapidly progressive interstitial pneumonia associated with clinically amyopathic dermatomyositis: report of three cases.

We present 3 cases of rapidly progressive interstitial pneumonia (RPIP) associated with clinically amyopathic dermatomyositis (C-ADM) that were treated with two courses of direct hemoperfusion with polymyxin B-immobilized fiber column (PMX-DHP). Despite initial treatment with high-dose corticosteroids, pulsed cyclophosphamide, and cyclosporine, the lung disease and hypoxemia deteriorated in all the patients. After PMX-DHP treatment, the PaO2/FiO2 ratio and serum LDH and KL-6 were improved, the abnormal shadows in chest high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) scans gradually decreased, and, finally, all patients survived. These findings indicate that PMX-DHP treatment could be effective in the management of RPIP in patients with C-ADM in combination with conventional therapy.

Association between cytokine removal by polymyxin B hemoperfusion and improved pulmonary oxygenation in patients with acute exacerbation of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

Acute exacerbation of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (AE-IPF) is characterized by severe worsening dyspnea of unknown etiology and high mortality without effective treatment. Recently, direct hemoperfusion with polymyxin B (PMX)-immobilized fiber cartridge (PMX-DHP) has been reported to improve pulmonary oxygenation and survival in patients with AE-IPF although its mechanism of action remains unknown. To gain insights into the pathobiology of AE-IPF through the beneficial effects of PMX-DHP, we analyzed the profile of cytokines adsorbed onto PMX-fibers used in 9 AE-IPF patients. In addition, the sera of these AE-IPF patients collected immediately before and after PMX-DHP, 9 stable IPF patients and 8 healthy individuals were also analyzed. The serum levels of cytokines including IL-9, IL-12, IL-17, PDGF and VEGF were significantly decreased immediately after PMX-DHP (P<0.02), and VEGF and IL-12 were most prominently reduced. In addition to PDGF and VEGF, IL-1ß, IL-1ra, IL-8, IL-23, FGF basic, GM-CSF, IP-10, RANTES and TGF-ß were eluted from used PMX-fibers. Interestingly, improved pulmonary oxygenation after PMX-DHP was correlated well with the quantities of eluted VEGF. These results suggest that adsorption of proinflammatory, profibrotic and proangiogenic cytokines onto PMX-fibers is one of the mechanisms of action of PMX-DHP in AE-IPF. Notably, removal of VEGF by PMX-DHP may contribute to the rapid improvement in oxygenation by suppressing vascular permeability in the lung.

[Effects of hemoperfusion on the patients with acute toxication of 2, 4-dinitrophenol].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the management strategies of acute toxication of 2, 4-dinitrophenol by hemoperfusion. METHODS: A total of 14 patients with acute toxication of 2, 4-dinitrophenol were admitted on September 14, 2009. And they were divided into severe and mild groups according to the severity of clinical manifestation. All patients in both groups received 2-hour blood perfusion within 2 hour post-admission. Their clinical manifestations, laboratory parameters and 2, 4-dinitrophenol levels were carefully observed before and after each perfusion. And oxygenation, intravenous use of furosemide, corticosteroids and symptomatic therapies were simultaneously given to improve general conditions. RESULTS: In serious group, the levels of before and after the first perfusion were 28.21(15.56-45.23) and 16.11(10.10-27.52) mg/L (P < 0.05), respectively. In both groups, all levels of 2, 4-dinitrophenol were significantly reduced before and after each perfusion (all P < 0.05). The patients in severe group would get relieved after 3 vs 2 perfusions in mild group. In severe group, there was a remarked decrease in neutrophil and platelet count after perfusion than those in mild group. The liver enzymes and blood lipids in both groups after therapy significantly elevated than those before therapy (all P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Crucial for managing acute toxication of 2, 4-dinitrophenol, early hemoperfusion reduces mortality.

[Hemoperfusion in anesthesia and intensive care medicine: benefits, risks, and evidence for different systems]. / Hämoperfusion in Anästhesie und Intensivmedizin: Chancen, Risiken und Evidenz verschiedener Systeme.

BACKGROUND: Hemoperfusion is a technique for the extracorporeal elimination of endogenous and exogenous toxins and harmful mediators by adsorption. It can be used as a stand-alone device, as part of a heart-lung machine or extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) or, as is currently the case, integrated into a kidney replacement procedure. In the meantime, various suppliers offer devices with different technologies. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this work was to evaluate the benefits, risks and evidence of the different systems, how they work and for which indications they are approved in Germany. METHOD: To achieve this goal, a narrative assessment of the existing literature and guidelines for different indications was performed. The focus was on in vivo studies. RESULTS: In principle, a distinction must be made in adsorption techniques between pure adsorption and the combination as adsorption and kidney replacement therapy. The adsorbers available in Germany include Cytosorb®, HA-330, Seraph®-100 and Toraymyxin. Combined procedures (adsorption and kidney replacement) are offered with coupled plasma filtration and adsorption (CPFA) and oXiris®. Most adsorbers have been developed for cytokine and endotoxin removal in patients with sepsis; however, to date, no randomized controlled trial (RCT) has demonstrated a survival benefit when using hemoperfusion. Therefore, the S3 guidelines for treatment of sepsis and the surviving sepsis campaign guidelines advise against its routine use. When the corona pandemic began, hemoperfusion was considered as a promising therapeutic approach. Cytosorb®, Seraph®-100, and oXiris® received emergency approval by the FDA to be used in critically ill patients with COVID-19, so questions arose about the appropriateness and importance of its use; however, the data generated did not show positive results, so its use cannot be recommended routinely either. In addition, they are not mentioned as a treatment option in the current guidelines. The use of adsorption procedures in patients with liver failure and rhabdomyolysis has only been rudimentarily studied, so any evidence is currently lacking. The only adsorber that has CE approval in Germany for both applications is Cytosorb®. In the next few years, studies will have to follow that investigate the efficacy and thus either justify or refute the use in clinical routine. Hemoperfusion procedures are used in the heart-lung machine as part of cardiac surgery for either cytokine or anticoagulant adsorption. No congruent data are available to support the use for the elimination of cytokines. If emergency cardiac surgery is required in a patient with pre-existing anticoagulation, hemoperfusion procedures can be used to prevent bleeding complications. Cytosorb® has CE approval for this indication. All available techniques are nonselective adsorption processes, so that adsorption of known and unknown substances can occur. Unintentional adsorption of drugs, such as various anti-infective agents is a relevant risk, especially when used in patients with sepsis. DISCUSSION: Various adsorption systems can eliminate different known and unknown substances. Currently, there is a lack of evidence for all indications and systems to justify their routine use except in clinical trials. Future clinical trials should evaluate the potential benefits but also dangers, so that in the meantime the routine use can be justified or a recommendation against the use can be given.

Hemoperfusion in Trauma.

Major trauma care has seen significant improvements in early mortality, reflecting improvements in prehospital techniques for hemorrhage control and speed of access to specialized trauma centers. However, many patients then go on to die in the intensive care unit (ICU), and improvements in immediate trauma care are presenting intensivists with greater numbers of severely injured patients who might previously have died shortly after injury. It is theorized that, despite initial survival, these patients deteriorate due to massive release of damage associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) after traumatic and ischemic tissue injury. These trigger a vicious cycle of overactive pro- and anti-inflammatory pathways, leading to organ dysfunction and immunoparesis. Extracorporeal hemoperfusion, with its ability to adsorb both DAMPs and inflammatory mediators from the bloodstream, has the potential to break this cycle and could, in theory, then prevent early death or organ dysfunction in the ICU. However, currently, there has been little research around the indications for, and efficacy of, this therapy in the setting of polytrauma. Here we outline potential molecular targets, summarize existing exploratory studies, and suggest areas for future research required to establish the benefits of hemoperfusion as an adjunct therapy in major polytrauma.

[To evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of hemoperfusion in treating intermediate syndrome following acute organophosphate poisoning].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of hemoperfusion in the treatment of intermediate myasthenia syndrome (IMS) following acute organophosphate poisoning (AOPP). METHODS: Eighty cases of IMS following AOPP, who were admitted to the Emergency Department of our hospital from 2006 to 2011 and had complete clinical records, were divided into HP treatment group (n = 36) and non-HP (NHP) treatment group (n = 44). The therapeutic efficacy of HP was evaluated by comparing the clinical data of the two groups. RESULTS: The HP treatment group showed significantly increased serum cholinesterase activity at 24h and 72 h after admission (P < 0.05), while the NHP treatment group showed significantly increased serum cholinesterase activity at 72 h after admission (P < 0.05). The serum cholinesterase activity in the HP treatment group was significantly higher than that in the NHP treatment group at 24 h after admission (P < 0.05). Compared with the NHP treatment group, the HP treatment group had significantly decreased total atropine dose, time of ventilatory assistance, length of ICU stay, recovery time from coma, incidence of pulmonary infection, and mortality due to respiratory failure (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in the incidence of upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage and total mortality between the two groups (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Hemoperfusion is an effective therapy for improving clinical symptoms, shorten the course of disease, reducing complications, and decreasing the mortality due to respiratory failure in the patients with IMS following AOPP.

Reduction in serum high mobility group box-1 level by polymyxin B-immobilized fiber column in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis with acute exacerbation.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Recent reports suggest that polymyxin B (PMX)-immobilized fiber may have beneficial effects in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) with acute exacerbation (AE). High mobility group box-1 (HMGB-1) is an important pro-inflammatory mediator that contributes to acute lung inflammation. This study was aimed to investigate whether PMX treatment affects serum HMGB-1 levels and oxygenation in IPF patients with AE. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty IPF patients with AE were treated by PMX. PMX treatment was carried out once daily for 2 successive days. Serum HMGB-1 levels were measured before and after PMX treatment. We also monitored arterial oxygen tension (PaO(2))/inspiratory oxygen fraction (FiO(2)) (P/F) ratio. PMX fiber columns were analyzed to examine whether HMGB-1 was absorbed by PMX. RESULTS: PMX treatment significantly improved both the serum HMGB-1 level and P/F ratio. HMGB-1 was detected in washing medium from the PMX column. CONCLUSION: PMX treatment may reduce serum HMGB-1 and improve oxygenation in patients with IPF with AE.

[A meta-analysis of the effects of direct hemoperfusion with polymyxin B-immobilized fiber on prognosis in severe sepsis].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of direct hemoperfusion with polymixin B-immobilized fiber (DHP-PMX) in patients with sepsis. METHODS: We searched Pubmed, Embase, Web of Science databases and identified relevant randomized controlled trials (RCT) from January 1995 to May 2010. Meta-analysis of DHP-PMX on mortality and levels of endotoxin in patients with sepsis were conducted using the methods recommended by the Cochrane Collaboration. RESULTS: Eleven RCTs were included. Eight of them included the mortality of patients (sample size: 211 DHP-PMX and 178 conventional medical therapy). In total, the mortalities of patients with sepsis in DHP-PMX group and conventional group were 37.4% (79/211) and 68.5% (122/178) respectively. Compared with the conventional medical therapy, DHP-PMX appeared to significantly reduce mortality (OR = 0.24, 95%CI 0.16 - 0.38, P < 0.000 01). The results were similar when two RCTs enrolling patients with methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections were excluded (OR = 0.27, 95%CI 0.17 - 0.45, P < 0.000 01). When the analysis was limited to the nine studies that reported 28- to 30-day mortality, results were unchanged (OR = 0.29, 95%CI 0.17 - 0.48, P < 0.000 01). Six RCTs had the available data of endotoxin. The level of endotoxin decreased 31 ng/L(95%CI 22.46 - 39.55) after DHP-PMX therapy, and the decreasing was statistically significant (P < 0.000 01), while the level of endotoxin in patients of conventional group did not change (P = 0.94). CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests a favorable effects of DHP-PMX on mortality and endotoxin decreasing in patients with sepsis. However, lack of enough cases and blinding need to be considered. Further investigation with large sample of high quality RCTs is needed.