Direct hemoperfusion with polymyxin B-immobilized fiber for the treatment of the acute exacerbation of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis in patients requiring invasive mechanical ventilation

We describe the cases of three men, who were former smokers and required mechanical ventilation, whose AE-IPF was treated with direct hemoperfusion with polymyxin B-immobilized fiber column (PMX-DHP). In all cases, we successfully weaned the patients from mechanical ventilation. Two of the patients survived for more than 180 days after development of AE-IPF. PMX-DHP may improve the prognosis of severe respiratory failure in patients with AE-IPF.