SEPTIC shock remains a major threat to children’s health worldwide, particularly in developing countries. Defined as a life-threatening condition caused by the body’s dysregulated response to infection, sepsis can quickly progress to septic shock, leading to multi-organ dysfunction and, in severe cases, death. In paediatric intensive care units, septic shock is a common cause of mortality, with fatality rates reported as high as 50%.
Recent research has focused on ulinastatin, a urinary trypsin inhibitor with anti-inflammatory properties, as a potential adjunct treatment for septic shock in children. Ulinastatin works by inhibiting inflammatory mediators, reducing oxidative stress, and protecting organ function. Its unique molecular structure enables it to improve circulation, support oxygen metabolism, and regulate immune responses.
In a recent study, children with septic shock who received ulinastatin alongside standard therapy showed significantly improved clinical outcomes. After seven days of treatment, key inflammatory and diagnostic markers, including CD64, procalcitonin (PCT), C-reactive protein (CRP), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and α-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase (α-HBDH), were markedly lower in the ulinastatin group compared to the control group. These biomarkers are closely linked to the severity of sepsis and the extent of organ damage, particularly in the heart and brain.
The study’s findings suggest that ulinastatin may help reduce systemic inflammation, enhance the body’s immune regulation, and limit damage to vital organs. However, researchers caution that the study’s small sample size and lack of patient stratification are limitations. Further large-scale, multi-centre trials are planned to confirm these promising results and explore the mechanisms behind ulinastatin’s effects.
Sepsis continues to pose a significant global health challenge, particularly among children. Innovative treatments like ulinastatin offer new hope in improving outcomes and reducing the high mortality associated with paediatric septic shock. As research progresses, therapies targeting the inflammatory cascade may become a crucial part of future sepsis management strategies.
Reference
Gao S et al. Effects of ulinastatin on therapeutic outcomes and inflammatory markers in pediatric septic shock patients. Sci Rep. 2025;15(1):16624.
