Abstract
Background Most severe cardiogenic shock requires veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO). The OXIRIS filter, has shown potential in reducing lipopolysaccharide (LPS) levels. Our objective was to compare the efficacy of the OXIRIS filter versus the ST-150 filter in reducing LPS plasma concentration. We hypothesized that the OXIRIS filter would reduce the endotoxin burden. Methods We conducted an open-label randomized prospective study in the cardiac intensive care unit of Dijon University Hospital. Forty patients with refractory cardiogenic shock requiring VA-ECMO and renal replacement therapy (RRT) were randomized to receive either OXIRIS filter or ST-150 filter. Blood samples were collected at multiple time points. The primary outcome was LPS mass (measured 24 h after the initiation of treatment). Secondary outcomes included LPS activity, cytokine levels, and clinical outcomes. Results 20 patients were allocated to each group and analyzed. LPS plasma concentrations were not different between the OXIRIS filter and ST-150 filter groups at H24 (599 pmol/ml of esterified 3-OH fatty acids [450;734] vs 520 [456;835], p = 0.983) or when analyzing all time-points by linear mixed modelling (538 [469;723] vs 507 [434;671] at H26, 576 [513;614] vs 624 [503;724] at H48 and 632 [513;660] vs 586 [538;776] at H72, p = 0.882). No significant between groups differences were found in LPS activity, inflammation markers (IL-6, TNF-α, IL-10, MCP-1), SOFA scores, VIS scores, or 28-day mortality (13 (65%) vs 9 (45%) p = 0.21). There was high variability in LPS concentrations, suggesting heterogeneity in endotoxemia. Conclusions In patients with cardiogenic shock supported by VA-ECMO and requiring renal replacement therapy, we could not evidence any reduction in LPS blood concentration in patients treated with treatment with OXIRIS filter in comparison to ST-150 filter. Further research is required to confirm these findings and optimize endotoxin removal in this population. Trials Registration: NCT04886180. Registered 10 May 2021. Graphical Abstract