EFFICACY AND ITS MECHANISM OF ON-LINE PLASMA EXCHANGE FOR SEPSIS IN INFANTS

• Published in: Jinko Zoki Vol. 17; no. 1; pp. 302 - 305
• Main Authors: TAKAHASHI, T., ASANUMA, Y., HEBIGUCHI, T., KATO, T., KOYAMA, K.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: Japanese
• Published: JAPANESE SOCIETY FOR ARTIFICIAL ORGANS 1988
• Subjects: blood exchange; endotoxin; on-line plasma exchange; opsonic activity; sepsis
• ISSN: 0300-0818; 1883-6097
• DOI: 10.11392/jsao1972.17.302

We have developed the miniature system of plasmapheresis for neonates and infants, and evaluated it from the point of biocompatibility and system performance on bilirubin removal using jaundiced puppies. Since the results were satisfactory, septic model was prepared by intravenous injection of 5×109 CFU/ml/kg of E. coli for 1hr., and online plasma exchange (P. E.) was performed to elucidate the efficacy and its mechanism in the treatment for sepsis. As the results, 4 out of 5 puppies survived in P. E. group, while all other puppies (7 in untreated and 5 in sham group) died within 24 hours. In P. E. group, viability of bacteria and endotoxin concentration in the blood decreased significantly compared with that of untreated or sham group. By means of chemiluminescence test, the opsonic activity is proved to be ameliorated in P. E. group, resulting in the reduction of visible bacteria counts. On the other hand, endotoxin is separated and discarded along with plasma in P. E. group, resulting in the reduction of endotoxin concentration. The system is proved to be effective and applicable for sepsis in infants.