Study Summary:

Septic shock means a life-threatening infection where major organ systems are failing. Most of these infections are caused by your body’s inflammatory response to toxins. The incidence of life-threatening infection has increased over the last four decades. Little has changed in the management of this problem. The existing options are antibiotics and good bedside care.

This study involves research to pilot a treatment option for septic shock. This treatment is called therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) which involves the separation of plasma from whole blood. The rationale for the use of TPE in sepsis is to remove toxins from the blood which reduces inflammation and may help with normal blood clotting and circulation. The toxins are usually bound to the plasma, which is why the plasma is being removed. The plasma is then replaced with blood products from healthy donors.

Objectives:

(1) Assess the safety of TPE in patients with septic shock

(2) Determine the appropriate amount of plasma to be used in the treatment

Principal Investigator: Dr. George Alvarez

Study Team: Dr. Selena Au, Dr. Michael Dunham, Dr. John Kortbeek, Dr. Calvin Lam, Dr. Paul McBeth, Dr. Braedon McDonald, Dr. Juan Posadas, Dr. Amanda Roze des Ordons, Dr. Brian Yipp

Additional Resources: 

Sites: PLC | SHC

Type of Research: Clinical