Hemodynamic Effects of Activated Protein C in Septic Shock

Recombinant human activated protein C (rhAPC) has been demonstrated to reduce the mortality rate of adult patients with severe sepsis [1]. This effect is thought to be related to a reduction in coagulation and, to a lesser extent, to a reduction in the inflammatory response to sepsis. Data from the Protein C Worldwide Evaluation in Severe Sepsis (PROWESS) study demonstrated that the use of rhAPC was associated with a quicker reduction in cardiovascular failure.