Safety and Efficacy of PHP in the Treatment of Shock Associated With Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (SIRS)

To determine the safety and effectiveness of pyridoxylated hemoglobin polyoxyethylene conjugate (PHP) administered by continuous intravenous (IV) infusion in systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) patients with shock. PHP is a human-derived chemically modified hemoglobin preparation. PHP selectively scavenges excess nitric oxide (NO) and does so in a catalytic, concentration-dependent reaction that results in the formation of the non-toxic NO metabolite, nitrate. PHP is postulated to reduce excess, toxic levels of NO while allowing critical beneficial levels of the molecule to persist.