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Evidence summaries

Human Recombinant Activated Protein C for Severe Sepsis

Activated protein C (APC) is not effective in reducing mortality in patients with sepsis or septic shock. Level of evidence: "A"

A Cochrane review [Abstract] 1 included 6 studies with a total of 6781 participants (6307 adults and 474 paediatric patients). For 28-day mortality, activated protein C (APC) did not reduce the risk of death in adult participants with severe sepsis (pooled RR1.00, 95% CI 0.88 to 1.14). APC did not significantly affect in-hospital mortality (RR 1.01, 95% CI 0.87 to 1.16; I2 = 20%). APC use was associated with a higher risk of bleeding (RR 1.47, 95% CI 1.09 to 2.00). APC did not significantly affect serious adverse events (RR 1.04, 95% CI 0.92 to 1.18; I2 = 0%).

    References

    • Martí-Carvajal AJ, Solà I, Gluud C et al. Human recombinant protein C for severe sepsis and septic shock in adult and paediatric patients. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2012;(12):CD004388. [PubMed]

Primary/Secondary Keywords