As we originally hypothesized, this study demonstrated that safflower yellow significantly reduced 28-day mortality and increased survival in patients with severe sepsis and septic shock. Failure of multiple organ systems brings about the high mortality in sepsis and shock, and deterioration of cardiorespiratory function is particularly critical. In this study, we show safflower yellow acts mainly by improving respiratory and cardiovascular function and tissue perfusion, as well as by decreasing inflammatory reaction.
Safflower yellow improved the hemodynamic index of patients with severe sepsis and septic shock as reflected by increases in BP and decreases in the HR and in turn improves the tissue and organ perfusion index. The increase of BP improving tissue perfusion of vital organs was reflected in significant decrease of blood lactate levels compared with those in the control group. Blood lactate levels may be used as an indicator for tissue perfusion during management of severe sepsis and septic shock [25]. In the 3-hour and 6-hour protocols in the guidelines [9], it is necessary to reverse anaerobic metabolism and low tissue perfusion in these patients as quickly as possible. After treatment with safflower yellow, blood lactate levels in the study group decreased significantly, suggesting safflower yellow improves the ischemia hypoxia and anaerobic glycolysis in septic shock.