Scientists at The Rogosin Institute invented a protein-free lipid emulsion that is being studied for the treatment of bacterial endotoxemia. Dialysis patients have increased exposure to endotoxin. We are studying whether the emulsion will aid in eliminating the source of the bacteria and thereby reduce the morbidity and mortality of patients with CKD.
Use of the emulsion in dialysis patients: Given the very high levels of endotoxin in dialysis patients, it seemed a natural extension to study the potential benefit of treating dialysis patients with emulsion. RI scientists are investigating whether treatment of dialysis patients with “EMULSION” will result in elevation of serum phospholipids and lipoprotein levels, and if so, whether such elevation will lead to overall lower pre-dialysis endotoxin levels (as measured by EAA assay) due to binding and inactivation of endotoxin If the levels are decreased, lower circulating endotoxin levels then should decrease levels of other inflammatory cytokines, such as TNF-alpha and IL-6, thereby improving quality of life (as measured by SF36 and fatigue score). This study began summer 2007.