Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

To demonstrate that drotrecogin alfa (activated) has an acceptable safety profile 1 yr from randomization.

DESIGN:

One-year follow-up of patients participating in a placebo-controlled clinical study of drotrecogin alfa (activated) in severe sepsis patients at low risk of death (the ADDRESS study).

SETTING:

The study was conducted at 516 hospitals in 34 countries.

PATIENTS:

The study included 2,640 patients.

INTERVENTIONS:

One-year follow-up was performed as an addendum to the placebo-controlled ADDRESS study. Treatment groups were compared using the chi-square test and Kaplan-Meier estimates.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS:

Survival status at 1 yr was obtained for 90% of patients enrolled in the study (n = 2,376). The difference in mortality rate between drotrecogin alfa (activated) and placebo patients was numerically smaller at 1 yr (34.2% and 34.0%, respectively, p = .94) than at 28 days (18.5% and 17.0%, respectively, p = .34). In the subgroups defined by organ dysfunction class (single or multiple) and Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score (<25 or >or=25), the differences in mortality rate between treatment groups at 1 yr were consistent with those observed at 28 days; no significant differences in mortality rates between treatment groups were observed. No additional serious adverse events were reported during the period between hospital discharge and 1 yr.

CONCLUSIONS:

No increased risk of death or evidence of harm at 1 yr was associated with drotrecogin alfa (activated) administration in patients with severe sepsis at lower risk of death.