The evaluation of procalcitonin in septic patients ongoing high flow-volume large size polymethyl methacrylate-hemodiafiltration (high performance-HDF, HP-HDF)

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of our study was to determine whether high flow-volume large size polymethyl methacrylate-hemodiafiltration (high performance-HDF, HP-HDF) leads to elimination of procalcitonin (PCT) in patients with septic shock. Patients and methods: In a prospective study, eighteen critically ill patients with septic shock treated with HP-HDF were evaluated. Blood concentrations of PCT were measured in prefilter and postfilter at 1 hour and 3 hours after set-up of HP-HDF. We measured the blood PCT levels of the patients the following day. Results: The postfilter blood levels of PCT were significantly lower than the prefilter blood levels of PCT at 1 hour and also 3 hours after set-up of HP-HDF. The PCT clearance of this extracorporeal circuit was significantly different between 1 and 3 hours. There was no significant difference of blood PCT concentration between the first and second ICU day. Conclusion: We conclude that PCT is removed from the blood of patients with septic shock during HP-HDF.