Hemoperfusion with an immobilized polymyxin B column reduces the blood level of neutrophil elastase.

Background: We investigated whether direct hemoperfusion with an immobilized polymyxin B column (DHP with PMX) could reduce the blood level of neutrophil elastase.

Methods: 20 sepsis patients were enrolled in the study. DHP with PMX was performed twice within a 24-hour period. Neutrophil elastase was measured 7 times.

Results: Neutrophil elastase was 468 +/- 75.1 microg/l, while it was 1,531 +/- 201.7 microg/l immediately after the first session, declined to 351 +/- 73.9 microg/l before the second session of DHP with PMX, and increased again to 599.3 +/- 112.7 microg/l immediately after the second session, 328 +/- 73.7 microg/l at 24 h, 264 +/- 39.3 microg/l at 48 h, and 230 +/- 36.1 microg/l at 72 h after DHP with PMX. The levels from 48 h onwards were significantly lower compared with that before treatment.

Conclusion: DHP with PMX has an overall effect that reduces circulating neutrophil elastase levels.