Clinical Effects of Polymyxin B Hemoperfusion in Patients With Septic Shock Caused by Urinary Tract Infection

Direct hemoperfusion with polymyxin B‐immobilized fiber (PMX‐DHP) has been widely used for severe sepsis and septic shock. However, data are limited regarding the clinical experience and efficacy of PMX‐DHP for septic shock resulting from urinary tract infection (UTI). At our institution, 15 patients with septic shock resulting from a UTI received PMX‐DHP from January 2013 to July 2017. The cause of the urosepsis was mainly obstructive pyelonephritis secondary to ureterolithiasis or neurogenic bladder. Average Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) scores were 25.9 ± 4.3 and 10.5 ± 2.2, respectively. If patients were still hypotensive after initial resuscitation, we began PMX‐DHP. Mean arterial pressure increased significantly from 58.3 ± 9.6 mm Hg to 93.6 ± 14.8 mm Hg just after PMX‐DHP and to 94.7 ± 16.9 mm Hg (P < 0.0001) 24 h after the treatment. Catecholamine index decreased significantly from 20.7 ± 11.3 to 9.3 ± 13.5 (P = 0.0001) 24 h after the treatment. Of 15 patients, 14 (93.3%) had survived 28 days after admission. Our results suggest a possible role for PMX‐DHP in the rapid stabilization of hemodynamics in patients with septic shock with an underlying UTI. These patients may be good candidates for PMX‐DHP.