C1-inhibitor in patients with severe sepsis and septic shock:: Beneficial effect on renal dysfunction

Objective: To investigate the efficacy and the safety of the parenteral administration of C1-inhibitor to patients with severe sepsis or septic shock. Design: Double blind, randomized, and placebo-controlled trial. Setting: Surgical and medical intensive care units of a tertiary care university hospital. Patients: Forty consecutive patients (20 C1-inhibitor/20 placebo) who entered the intensive care unit with severe sepsis or septic shock. Intervention: C1-inhibitor intravenously in a 1-hr infusion, starting with 6000 IU, followed by 3000 IU, 2000 IU, and 1000 IU at 12-hr intervals, compared with placebo. Measurements and Main Results: C1-inhibitor administration significantly increased plasma C1-inhibitor antigen and activity levels during days 1-4 (p < .007). Patients in the Cl-inhibitor group had significantly lower serum creatinine concentrations on day 3 (p = .048) and 4 (p = .01) than placebo patients. Multiple organ dysfunction assessed by logistic organ dysfunction and sepsis-related organ failure assessment scores was less pronounced in patients treated with C1-inhibitor. Mortality rate was similar in both groups. There were no C1-inhhibitor-related side effects. Conclusions: C1-inhibitor administration attenuated renal impairment in patients with severe sepsis or septic shock.