Whole gut washout for severe sepsis: review of technique and preliminary results.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the safety and feasibility of whole gut washout for severe sepsis in human beings. High-volume polyethylene glycol-3500 was administered to patients with severe sepsis. Body temperature, white blood cell count, and ventilatory indexes were recorded 24 hours before and 24 hours after whole gut washout. A significant decrease in febrile response was observed after gut washout with polyethylene glycol. Improvements in PaO2, positive end-expiratory pressure, and peak airway pressure were observed. The washout was well tolerated in all but one patient. High-volume whole gut washout for severe sepsis appears safe in critically ill patients and may offer some promise in reducing enterogenic inflammation after catabolic stress.