The role of hemoadsorption in septic shock: toward a personalized approach

A dysregulated host response to infection is central to the pathophysiology of sepsis and may culminate in life-threatening organ dysfunction. Given that this process is largely characterized by concurrent pro- and anti-inflammatory activation, immunomodulatory strategies have long been explored in sepsis research. Among these, extracorporeal removal of circulating cytokines, inflammatory mediators and other soluble factors through non-specific hemoadsorption with macroporous styrene-divinylbenzene sorbents has been proposed as a potential therapeutic approach. Its adoption into clinical practice has largely been based on pathophysiological considerations rather than on evidence from large, well-designed randomized clinical trials. Over the past 15 years, most of the available evidence has been predominantly derived from small, single-center cohorts, reports from registries and heterogeneous prospective studies with substantial variability in patients’ selection, timing, and treatment intensity. In addition, the precise mechanisms of action of hemoadsorption remain incompletely understood. Although several meta-analyses have attempted to synthesize the existing data, the overall quality and heterogeneity of the included studies limit the strength and reliability of their conclusions. As a result, current guideline recommendations are largely based on expert opinions rather than high-certainty evidence. This position statement aimed to provide a concise overview of the biological rationale, current evidence, and contemporary clinical practice related to hemoadsorption in critically ill patients.