Successful treatment of gastrointestinal infection-induced septic shock using the oXiris(®) hemofilter: A case report

BACKGROUND: Septic shock leads to multiple organ failure, and bacterial endotoxins and endogenous cytokines play essential roles in the pathogenesis. The oXiris(®) hemofilter can efficiently adsorb endotoxins and cytokines. CASE SUMMARY: We admitted a critically ill 59 year-old male patient with gastrointestinal septic shock due to infection by a Gram-negative bacterium and septic acute kidney injury (AKI). Prior to intensive care unit admission, the patient reported intermittent diarrhea and decreased urine output. His blood pressure was 70/40 mmHg, necessitating fluid resuscitation and large doses of noradrenaline. Based on the results of a blood culture and the presence of hypotension, oliguria, and hypoxemia, we diagnosed septic shock, AKI, and multiple organ dysfunction. We administered continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) with an oXiris(®) hemofilter for 72 h with intermittent continuous veno-venous hemodiafiltration (CVVHDF), and changed the filter every 12 h. After his hemodynamic parameters were stable, we used a traditional filter (AN69 hemofilter) with intermittent CVVHDF. The 72 h CRRT with the oXiris(®) hemofilter led to stabilization of his vital signs, marked reductions in disease severity scores, and decreased levels of procalcitonin, endotoxin, and inflammatory factors. After 8 d of CRRT, his kidney function had completely recovered. CONCLUSION: We conclude that the oXiris(®) hemofilter combined with appropriate antibacterial therapy was an effective treatment for this patient with gastrointestinal septic shock.