Use of ulinastatin was associated with reduced mortality in critically ill patients with sepsis

Background: Ulinastatin has anti-inflammatory properties and could potentially benefit critically ill septic patients. Nevertheless, clinical studies have yielded conflicting results. The present study examined the efficacy of ulinastatin in intensive care unit (ICU) patients with sepsis and/or septic shock. Methods: All septic patients admitted to the ICU of Wuhu No. 2 People's Hospital between 2014 and 2017 were screened for potential eligibility for this retrospective study. The primary outcome was 28-day mortality, and its correlation with ulinastatin was assessed using multiple logistic regression models. Results: The study included 263 patients, with an overall 28-day mortality of 38%. Patients receiving ulinastatin showed significantly lower mortality than the control patients (31% vs. 55%; P<0.001). Ulinastatin use was associated with significantly reduced risk of death (OR: 0.317, 95% CI: 0.158-0.621; P=0.001) after adjustment for age, Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score, vasopressor use, and patient type as determined with a multivariable regression model. Conclusions: Treatment with ulinastatin was associated with a decrease in 28-day mortality in critically ill septic patients.