Endotoxin removal by hemoperfusion in septic shock

Many symptoms of septic shock are due to the presence of endotoxin in the bloodstream. The biological activity of endotoxins is associated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). LPS induces systemic inflammatory response and a high level of endotoxin in blood is associated with worse clinical outcome. Reduction of the level of circulating endotoxins with hemoperfusion through the filter with high affinity for LPS could potentially interrupt the biological cascade of sepsis. The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficiency of extracorporeal endotoxin elimination in patients with Gram-negative septic shock.