Abstract
The level of cytokines in septic patients may be closely related to the severity of the illness. This study was performed in four patients with septic shock who received continuous infusion of methylprednisolone (MPS) for 48 hours. We observed changes in various cytokine levels and in clinical symptoms after the administration of MPS.
The initial dose of MPS of 5mg/kg was given in one bolus intravenously, followed by continuous infusion of MPS (0.65mg/kg/h) for 48 hours. Blood levels of TNFα, IL-6, and IL-8 were measured by the ELISA method. The blood level of MPS was also measured. The MPS level reached 2mcg/ml 0.5 hours after the start of MPS infusion, and remained around 2-4mcg/ml thereafter.
After administration of MPS, all cytokine levels declined sharply. Increase in P/F ratio and decrease in CRP level followed. Clinical symptoms also improved the clinical state improved in proportion to the decline in cytokine levels.
The above findings suggest that continuous infusion of MPS may be an effective therapy for hypercytokinemic patients.
