IL-1ra administration does not improve cardiac function in patients with severe sepsis

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra) on myocardial function in septic patients. Materials and Methods: A subgroup of patients from a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter trial was studied from 63 academic medical centers in the United States, Canada, and Europe. A subgroup of 71 patients with severe sepsis in whom vasoactive support was little altered during the study was included. The patients were randomized to receive either placebo (n = 29) or IL-1ra at a dose of 1 mg/kg/h (n = 20) or 2 mg/kg/h (n = 22). Results: Hemodynamic measurements were taken at baseline, and 1, 2, 3, 4, 8, and 12 hours after placebo or IL-1ra administration. No significant differences in hemodynamic parameters were observed between the groups or over time during the study period. Conclusions: IL-1ra administration has no effect on cardiac function in septic patients.