Septic shock

• Failure or dysfunction of the cardiovascular system is the defining feature of septic shock. While there is now evidence for the central role of the heart in the pathophysiology of septic shock, it is important to remember that it is only one component of the cardiovascular system. Thus, it is often impossible to distinguish between the direct effects of sepsis on the heart and its responses to other changes in the cardiovascular system. Systolic, diastolic, left, and right heart functions are variably affected and are not mutually exclusive. They may be associated with rises in cardiac troponins and may be associated with underlying cardiovascular disease. Current evidence suggests left ventricular systolic dysfunction (assessed as reduced ejection fraction) is not associated with increased mortality, while diastolic dysfunction seems to be more predictive. Right heart failure occurs commonly, even with lung-protective ventilation strategies. Echocardiography is currently the only bedside technique providing comprehensive information regarding heart function during sepsis. In combination with information obtained with pulmonary arterial catheterization, it may be used to monitor the effects of fluid loading, mechanical ventilation, and vasopressor/inotropic therapy in the patient with septic shock. Future areas of research include (1) the development of a universal definition for septic cardiomyopathy; (2) investigating methods for distinguishing sepsis-specific changes from underlying disease; (3) investigating the relationship between cardiac biomarkers and echocardiographic changes; (4) investigating new echocardiographic markers of systolic and diastolic function; (5) integration of lung-protective mechanical ventilation and haemodynamic management strategies guided by echocardiographic findings.

Subject headings

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Klinisk medicin -- Kardiologi (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Clinical Medicine -- Cardiac and Cardiovascular Systems (hsv//eng)

Publication and Content Type

vet (subject category)

kap (subject category)