Reduction in leukocyte elastase levels in patients with sepsis by administration of urinastatin

: Leukocyte elastase (LE) plays a role in the development of shock. Therefore, we examined the effects of urinastatin, a protease inhibitor, on LE in 7 patients with sepsis. LE levels before the administration of urinastatin were high in all patients, especially those in shock. Administration of urinastatin markedly decreased LE levels, with the decrease being more remarkable in patients showing high LE levels before treatment. These results suggest that urinastatin not only reduces LE levels but also suppresses factors that are involved in the development of septic shock.