TNF and Sepsis: The plasma levels of TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-8 were measured at 0, 12, 18, 24, 36 and 42 h after the start of CVVHDF and at the same time points after the patients were diagnosed with sepsis in group A. The plasma levels of TNF-α in group B decreased by 32% at 18 h after the start of CVVHDF and decreased by 43% at 42 h after the start of CVVHDF; however, these levels were increased compared with the normal values (P < 0.01).