Semin Respir Crit Care Med 2004; 25(6): 673-681
DOI: 10.1055/s-2004-860981
Copyright © 2004 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc., 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Vasoactive Drug Use in Septic Shock

Michael L. Stanchina1 , 2 , Mitchell M. Levy1 , 2
  • 1Rhode Island Hospital, Brown Medical School, Providence, Rhode Island
  • 2Division of Pulmonary/Critical Care and Sleep Disorders Medicine, Brown Medical School, Providence, Rhode Island
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Publication History

Publication Date:
22 December 2004 (online)

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ABSTRACT

Sepsis accounts for more than 210,000 deaths per year. Despite adequate fluid resuscitation the associated maldistribution of blood flow may cause an imbalance between oxygen delivery and demand, leading to global tissue hypoxia, shock, and, if not reversed, death. Vasoactive therapies including catecholamine and noncatecholamine vasopressors, ionotropes, and vasodilating agents aimed at restoring perfusion and normalizing oxygen consumption have improved outcomes in patients with persistent shock despite crystalloid resuscitation. In this review we discuss the mechanisms, clinical use, and commonly observed pitfalls of the most common and a few uncommon vasodilator agents used in the management of sepsis and septic shock.

REFERENCES

Mitchell M LevyM.D. 

Rhode Island Hospital, MICU

7th floor Main Bldg., 753 Eddy St.

Providence, RI 02903

Email: Mitchell_Levy@Brown.edu