Hemodynamic effects of recombinant human activated protein C in patients with septic shock.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to examine the effects of recombinant human activated protein C (rhAPC) on hemodynamic parameters in patients with septic shock.

METHODS: This is a retrospective study of 2 university-hospital critical care units. Patients with septic shock with pulmonary artery catheterization or transthoracic thermodilution monitoring were studied. We matched patients with septic shock with at least 2 organ failures (18 treated with rhAPC and 18 controls) on sex, age, sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA), Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II, and sepsis etiology. We recorded norepinephrine dose and hemodynamic parameters at baseline and 24, 36, and 48 hours after the real or theoretical start of rhAPC treatment.

RESULTS: Mean arterial pressure remained stable in both groups. In rhAPC patients, norepinephrine requirements, initially higher than in controls, were significantly lower at 48 hours, and stroke volume at 24 and 48 hours improved (P < .05).

CONCLUSION: Recombinant human activated protein C use correlated with improved hemodynamic parameters and decreased norepinephrine requirements. The retrospective nature of the study limits the strength of these findings.