CytoSorbents Corporation (CTSO)

[andy55q]

Herpes viruses can cause blood poisoning

ndr.de visit 28/04/2015
Ulrich Neumann

Herpes on the lips to know many people. It develop painful small vesicles. But the herpes virus can be really dangerous and trigger a so-called herpes virus sepsis in a weakened immune system. Sepsis (blood poisoning) is a complex inflammatory response of the body to an infection with bacteria, viruses or fungi. Normally, the immune system helps reducing such infections. Make it not, the pathogens can spread through the bloodstream throughout the body.

Failure of the immune system

The sepsis is thus quasi based on a failure of the immune system. In an excessive reaction large amounts of messenger substances are released (including interleukins, interferons, prostaglandins, leukotrienes) that maintains keep the inflammatory response throughout the body, without being thereby availed of combating pathogens. As a result, metabolic processes become confused and the bodies will eventually no longer be supplied with sufficient oxygen. Cardiovascular failure, kidney failure, bleeding disorders and respiratory failure may result.

As part of an intensive medical therapy, the organ functions, for example, by using circulation supportive medicines, artificial respiration or the use of renal replacement therapy (dialysis) can be temporarily supported or replaced. Nevertheless, die 30 to 50 percent of sufferers. Sepsis is a race against time. With every hour that passes without a treatment is started, the prognosis worsens dramatically.

Blood purification removes inflammatory neurotransmitters

There is new scientific evidence that can be influenced by the removal of pro-inflammatory messenger substances from the blood, the overreaction of the immune system and the clinical condition of septic patients with organ failure low. Since the year 2011 is to a particular device: a so-called Zytokinabsorber (Cytosorb). Similar to a dialysis thus may be removed as part of a blood purification from the blood substances (especially cytokines) that initiate or maintain inflammation.

So far, this treatment is only available at special centers in Germany. However, the experience has been entirely positive: The cardiovascular function of the affected stabilize rapidly. Already within 12 to 24 hours after initiation of therapy decrease the cytokine levels in the blood strongly.
However, all questions about this therapy are not fully understood. Perhaps the hemodialysis affects not only the cytokine concentration in the blood, but also the concentration of other vital messengers and essential medicines and nutrients. Can be used until the Zytokinabsorber default, yet studies have to be carried out.
Dr. Carlos Fritzsche
Specialist Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases
Consultant at the Department of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine
Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Rostock
Ernst-Heydemann-Straße 6
18057 Rostock

Prof. Dr. Steffen Mitzner
head of the Section of Nephrology
Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Rostock
Ernst-Heydemann-Straße 6
18057 Rostock
Tel. [phone]
Fax: [phone]
E-mail: [e-mail]

Prof. Dr. Tung Yu Tsui, FACS
Section Head Oncological Surgery and Transplantation
Department General-, Thoracic, Vascular and Transplant Surgery
Department of Surgery
University Hospital Rostock
Schillingallee 35, 18057 Rostock
Tel. [phone]
Fax: [phone]