What is the role of blood purification devices in the treatment of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)?
Blood Purification Devices for COVID-19 Treatment Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) to blood purification systems. The mechanism of action of blood purification devices in COVID-19 patients involves filtration of blood to reduce the concentration of inflammatory mediators, especially cytokines. These inflammatory mediators elevate during COVID-19 infection. In some patients, the number of cytokines circulating blood is too high which indicates cytokine storm. It ultimately leads to rapid progressive shock, organ failure and respiratory failure causing death. Therefore, to prevent deterioration of condition and death blood purification devices are used to remove or reduce inflammatory mediators. FDA recommends its use in COVID-19 patients 18 years of age or older admitted in ICU.