Efficacy of Two Combinations of Blood Purification Techniques for the Treatment of Multiple Organ Failure Induced by Wasp Stings

Abstract

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The aim of this study was to explore the clinical efficacy of 2 combinations of blood purification techniques in patients with sting venom-induced multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS). METHODS: A total of 23 patients received 35 sessions of hemoperfusion (HP) + continuous veno-venous hemodiafiltration (CVVHDF) treatment and 22 sessions of plasma exchange (PE) + CVVHDF treatment, respectively. RESULTS: Both HP + CVVHDF and PE + CVVHDF reduced the levels of inflammation, thus improving our patients' health condition. Moreover, PE + CVVHDF was found to be significantly more effective in reducing the levels of specific liver function markers and inflammatory mediators, as well as shortening prothrombin time and increasing the levels of serum albumin. CONCLUSION: Both combinations of blood purification techniques were capable of improving MODS. However, the PE + CVVHDF approach was more efficient for the removal of wasp venom and inflammatory mediators from the blood.