Background/aim: Recent reports suggest that polymyxin B (PMX)-immobilized fiber may have beneficial effects in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) with acute exacerbation (AE). High mobility group box-1 (HMGB-1) is an important pro-inflammatory mediator that contributes to acute lung inflammation. This study was aimed to investigate whether PMX treatment affects serum HMGB-1 levels and oxygenation in IPF patients with AE.
Materials and methods: Twenty IPF patients with AE were treated by PMX. PMX treatment was carried out once daily for 2 successive days. Serum HMGB-1 levels were measured before and after PMX treatment. We also monitored arterial oxygen tension (PaO(2))/inspiratory oxygen fraction (FiO(2)) (P/F) ratio. PMX fiber columns were analyzed to examine whether HMGB-1 was absorbed by PMX.
Results: PMX treatment significantly improved both the serum HMGB-1 level and P/F ratio. HMGB-1 was detected in washing medium from the PMX column.
Conclusion: PMX treatment may reduce serum HMGB-1 and improve oxygenation in patients with IPF with AE.
Copyright © 2011 S. Karger AG, Basel.