Critical care clinics
-
Critical care clinics · Apr 2000
ReviewPathogenesis and management of multiple organ dysfunction or failure in severe sepsis and septic shock.
Organ system dysfunction is a common adverse sequelae of severe sepsis and septic shock and has been reported to be the most common cause of death in the noncoronary intensive care unit. The pathophysiology of the development of multiple organ system dysfunction is likely multifactoral and may take several different pathways. ⋯ The presence of organ dysfunction has great clinical impact on the underlying disease process, can prolong the hospital stay, increase the cost of care, and has been associated with an increase in mortality rate. At present, there is no recognized specific treatment for established organ failure, this primary attention has been directed toward prevention.
-
Over the last decade, it has become clear that myocardial depression, like vascular dysfunction, is typical of human septic shock. Human septic myocardial depression is characterized by reversible biventricular dilatation, decreased ejection fraction, and decreased response to fluid resuscitation and catecholamine stimulation (in the presence of overall hyperdynamic circulation). A circulating myocardial depressant substance, not myocardial hypoperfusion, is responsible for this phenomenon. ⋯ For the moment, the therapeutic approach to the patient with cardiac dysfunction in distributive or septic shock must be primarily aimed at reestablishing adequate organ perfusion and oxygen delivery by vigorous fluid resuscitation and vasopressor or inotropic support. In the long term, however, only continued research regarding the cellular mechanisms of organ dysfunction, including septic myocardial depression, will lead to successful therapeutic strategies. These strategies will likely involve direct manipulation of intracellular signaling processes that lead to organ dysfunction as manifested by septic myocardial dysfunction and septic shock.
-
Early recognition of the sepsis syndrome, prompt administration of broad-spectrum antibiotics, surgical intervention when indicated, and aggressive supportive care in intensive care units remain the therapeutic strategies for patients with sepsis. Antibiotic selection is based on many factors including the most probable source of infection, the most likely pathogens, and knowledge of antibiotic susceptibility patterns for community- and hospital-acquired infections. ⋯ As our understanding of the pathophysiology of sepsis progresses, perhaps newer modalities will improve clinical outcome. At this time, preventive strategies, including optimal vaccine use, effective infection control practices, judicious use and care of intravascular lines and indwelling urinary catheters, and appropriate use of anti-infective agents to prevent microbial resistance should be used to decrease the incidence of infection and subsequent sepsis.
-
Despite our increased understanding of the biochemistry and physiology of sepsis, the treatment of septic shock remains a challenge. Initial management of septic shock entails urgent and emergent stabilization of the patient followed by broad-spectrum, empiric antibiotic therapy. ⋯ Adjunctive therapies and monitoring strategies may be helpful in preventing complications in the intensive care setting. Additional research and clinical trials are needed to identify supportive interventions that may affect the outcome of the septic patient.
-
Critical care clinics · Apr 2000
ReviewAcute lung injury and acute respiratory distress syndrome in sepsis and septic shock.
Sepsis remains the leading cause of ARDS, and ARDS is still an often fatal condition. With our expanding knowledge of the pathobiologic mechanisms and the relationship between these two entities, early recognition, treatment, and prevention of sepsis may prevent or hasten recovery from ARDS. Understanding the biologic markers involved in the complex inflammatory response of sepsis and acute lung injury offers the possibility of future investigations to target treatment based on these mediators.