title: Whole gut washout for severe sepsis: review of technique and preliminary results.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The purpose of this study was to determine the safety and feasibility of whole gut washout for severe sepsis in human beings.
  
  
  METHODS
  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.
  
  
  RESULTS
  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.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  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.
authors.affiliation: University of Chicago Medical Center, IL 60637, USA.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Alverdy
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Piano
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001831:Body Temperature; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007239:Infections / Q000097:blood / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D007422:Intestines; D007958:Leukocyte Count; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012129:Respiratory Function Tests; D007507:Therapeutic Irrigation; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D011092:Polyethylene Glycols