Extracorporeal cytokine adsorption therapy (ECAT) aims to reduce the cytokine concentration in the blood, thereby stabilising the overall immune response in sepsis and SIRS (Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome). We investigated the efficacy and safety of ECAT in its two main indications: to treat sepsis and to prevent SIRS during cardiopulmonary bypass surgery (CPB).

Overall, three studies were identified that contained clinical data on ECAT. However, no data for the assessment of ECAT in patients with sepsis and septic shock were available. The overall quality of the studies on the preventive use during CPB was classified as very low. No conclusions could be drawn as to whether ECAT is a safe and effective intervention. We therefore do not recommend inclusion of ECAT in the Austrian BMG benefit catalogue and suggest a re-evaluation should randomised controlled trials in both indications become available.