Development of an automated plasmapheresis system for the treatment of sepsis

Abstract

Sepsis is one of the leading cause of death in ICU. The causes of sepsis could be viral, bacterial, fungal infection, also, and in some instances trauma. When a local response to the infection becomes a systemic response, the immune system becomes chaotic. Cytokines are produced in an uncontrolled way, resulting in a cytokines storm. The immune system enters a hyperactivation status that leads to multiple organ failures. Despite advances in the medical treatment and clinical experience, there is currently no single medication approved for treating sepsis. Thus, removal of the plasma that contains the inflammatory mediators is a potential solution to reduce their effect in the body.