Research

Plasma Response During Organ Failure

Patient Plasma Response and Outcome in Septic Shock With Thrombocytopenia Associated Multiple Organ Failure in Children

Protocol Description

The purpose of this multi-center study is to learn how blood-clotting substances respond in children with septic shock, low platelet counts (thrombocytopenia), and multiple organ failure when a plasma-exchange protocol is applied in treatment. A preliminary study performed at Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC suggested significant improvement in organ system dysfunction in thrombocytopenia-associated multiple organ failure patients when a plasma-exchange protocol was used, compared to standard therapy alone. Understanding the impact of plasma exchange on blood will help clinicians to diagnose and treat serious infections in children.

Eligibility Criteria

Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) patients with thrombocytopenia and multiple organ failure who are scheduled to undergo plasma exchange will be considered for this study, subject to other screening criteria.
Boys: All ages
Girls: All ages

Requirements
While patient undergoes plasma exchange in the PICU, researchers will take small blood samples via the patient’s intravenous line on days 1, 2, 4, 8, 15 and 28 to measure levels of certain substances within the blood to determine if the exchange is beneficial.
Visits: Occurs during hospitalization
Duration: Up to 28 days

Status: Open for Enrollment

Source of Support
Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC
Children’s Hospital of Atlanta Foundation

Additional Resources
Study Description at National Institutes of Health