Statins and hemoperfusion improve 28-day survival in septic shock patients

Uncontrolled inflammation and endotoxin play a central role in septic shock. Statins may possess anti-inflammatory properties, and removal of endotoxin by hemoperfusion with polymyxin B-immobilized fiber (PMX-F) could have favorable effects on sepsis. We examined retrospectively whether pre-existing statin and hemoperfusion with PMX-F at the time of admission were separately and independently associated with decreased overall 28-day mortality in septic shock patients. Consecutive 173 patients with septic shock (71.2 +/- 10.7 years old, 115 male and 58 female) were included in the present study. All patients underwent a complete history and physical examination, determination of blood chemistries. Multiple stepwise regression analysis revealed that albumin, creatinine (inversely), statin use, hemoperfusion with PMX-F and HDL-cholesterol were independently correlated to 28-day survival in septic shock patients (R-2=0.464). Our present study suggests that pre-existing statin use and hemoperfusion with PMX-F may separately and independently contribute to blunt the process of septic shock.