WHOLE GUT WASHOUT FOR SEVERE SEPSIS - REVIEW OF TECHNIQUE AND PRELIMINARY-RESULTS

Background. The purpose of this study was to determine the safety and feasibility of whole gut washout for severe sepsis in human beings. Me thods. High-volume polyethylene glycol-3500 was administered to patien ts with severe sepsis. Body temperature, white blood cell count, and v entilatory indexes were recorded 24 hours before and 24 hours after wh ole gut washout. Results. A significant decrease in febrile response w as observed after gut washout with polyethylene glycol. Improvements i n PaO2, positive end-expiratory pressure, and peak airway pressure wer e observed. The washout was well tolerated in all but one patient. Con clusions. High-volume whole gut washout for severe sepsis appears safe in critically ill patients and may offer some promise in reducing ent erogenic inflammation after catabolic stress.