Association between cytokine removal by polymyxin B hemoperfusion and improved pulmonary oxygenation in patients with acute exacerbation of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis

► A variety of cytokines were upregulated in acute exacerbation (AE) of IPF. ► Serum cytokine levels were reduced after polymyxin-B hemoperfusion (PMX-DHP). ► PMX-DHP was found to adsorb cytokines including IL-1β, IL-8, PDGF, TGF-β and VEGF. ► Removed VEGF quantities correlate with improved pulmonary oxygenation by PMX-DHP. ► This study provides an opportunity to improve therapeutic strategies for AE-IPF.