The most common cause of severe Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) is bacterial sepsis. Sepsis is characterized by a state of systemic “hyperinflammation” that is injurious to many different organs, including the kidneys. This excessive response by the body is associated with the production of inflammatory molecules (“mediators”), which circulate in the blood and cause tissue and organ damage. These molecules are much larger in molecular weight (approximately 5 to 50 kilodaltons) than conventional uremic molecules (e.g., urea, creatinine) and are poorly removed by standard high-flux membranes traditionally used for CRRT.
The filter comprising the septeX set has unique characteristics for treating AKI patients. It contains a specially designed membrane with pore sizes that allow for the removal of molecules in the inflammatory mediator range. On the other hand, the base membrane material is the same as that contained in the Prismaflex HF filter, which has been used extensively in the AKI population.