Selective Cytopheresis Therapy in Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): An extracorporeal device, named selective cytopheretic device (SCD), has been fabricated that sequesters activated leukocytes and inhibits their release of inflammatory proteins and cytokines. Leukocytes are major contr ibutors to the pathogenesis and progression of many clinical inflammatory disorders, including the systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS), sepsis and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). A large number of therapeutic approaches are under inv estigation to limit the activation and tissue accumulation of leukocytes at sites of inflammation in order to minimize tissue destruction and disease progression. This research proposal will evaluate this SCD on a well-developed porcine model of septic sho ck, SIRS and early ARDS. Various cardiovascular parameters, systemic cytokine levels, and pulmonary inflammation with bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) parameters and time to death will be compared between treatment and sham treatment groups. The effects of mem brane surface area and efficacy of a simplified circuit system on the ongoing multiorgan dysfunction and inflammatory processes will also be assessed. This proposal may suggest a manner of altering the systemic inflammatory response and may lead to a new t herapeutic approach to sepsis, SIRS and ARDS.