Cytosorb device is a medical device used in critical care settings to remove inflammatory mediators from the bloodstream of patients with conditions such as sepsis, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), and cardiac surgery-associated inflammatory response syndrome (CARS). The body can produce excessive levels of cytokines in inflammation due to severe infection. This device removes these cytokine substances in your blood.

Cytosorb devices are used to treat patients aged 18 years and above with confirmed COVID-19 who are showing certain severe symptoms (including a persistent cough, high fever, developing more difficulty breathing). COVID-19 is a highly infectious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. It is essential to inform your health care professional if you are pregnant or have any diseases or allergic conditions before starting treatment with Cytosorb devices.

Cytosorb devices use in the treatment of the following:

• Treatment of COVID-19 patients with severe symptoms
• Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)
• Cardiac surgery-associated inflammatory response syndrome (CARS)

Cytosorb devices work by using a process called hemoadsorption to remove inflammatory mediators from the bloodstream of critically ill patients. Hemoadsorption is a method of blood purification in which blood is passed through a cartridge containing adsorbent material that selectively removes certain substances from the blood. It contains highly porous polymer beads with a large surface area that can selectively adsorb a range of inflammatory mediators, such as cytokines, chemokines, and endotoxins.

Inform your healthcare provider about all your medicines, including prescription, over-the-counter, nutritional or vitamin supplements, and herbal products. Certain medications may interact with Cytosorb devices and reduce effectiveness by causing undesirable side effects.

• Store at a cool temperature of 4°C and 30°C (39°F and 86°F).
• Do not freeze.
• Protected from light.
• Keep it in its original packaging until it is ready to be used.
• Keep out of the reach of children and pets.
• Should be disposed of properly.

Cytosorb devices should only be used by qualified healthcare professionals and require specialized medical training. It is a medical device used in critical care settings where a cartridge containing porous polymer beads is connected to the patient's circulation. Blood is circulated through the cartridge, and the inflammatory mediators are selectively adsorbed onto the surface of the beads.

Like all medications, Cytosorb devices cause some side effects, although not every person who takes it will experience them. 

Serious:

• Very low blood pressure
• Abnormal heart rhythm
• Bleeding
• Blood clotting
• Low platelet down
• Low levels of calcium and proteins in the blood
• Infection
• Allergic reactions
• Sepsis
• Anaphylactic shock

Common:

• Hypotension
• Fever
• Dizziness
• Lightheadedness
• Fainting

If you are taking Cytosorb devices treatment, it is important to discuss any concerns or questions you may have with your healthcare provider. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should discuss their risk and benefit with the doctor. Be sure to provide your doctor with a complete medical history, including any medications you are taking and any pre-existing medical conditions you may have. Always follow the dosing instructions and precautions provided by your doctor, and report any side effects or adverse reactions to your healthcare provider as soon as possible. Never stop or modify your medication regimen without consulting your healthcare provider.

1. Cytosorbents, US Food and Drug Administration, [Updated on April 10, 2020], [ Accessed on 27th April 2023], https://www.fda.gov/media/136866/download
2. Dina Ragab et al; The COVID-19 Cytokine Storm; What We Know So Far; Frontiers in Immunology [Published on 16/06/2020], [27th April 2023] https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fimmu.2020.01446/full