Dysregulation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone-system (RAAS) in sepsis is a complex and early phenomenon with a likely significant contribution to organ failure and patient outcomes. A better understanding of the pathophysiology and intricacies of the RAAS in septic shock has led to the use of exogenous angiotensin II as a new therapeutic agent. In this review, we report a multinational and multi-disciplinary expert panel discussion on the role and implications of RAAS modulation in sepsis and the use of exogenous angiotensin II.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFPurpose Of Review: To discuss the role of hemodynamic management in critically ill patients with acute kidney injury.
Recent Findings: Acute kidney injury (AKI) may be associated with persistent alterations in renal perfusion, even when cardiac output and blood pressure are preserved. The effects of interventions aiming at increasing renal perfusion are best evaluated by renal Doppler or contrast enhance ultrasound.
Background: Exploring clinical trial data using alternative methods may enhance original study's findings and provide new insights. The SOAP II trial has been published more than 10 years ago; but there is still some speculation that some patients may benefit from dopamine administration for shock management. We aimed to reanalyse the trial under different approaches and evaluate for heterogeneity in treatment effect (HTE).
View Article and Find Full Text PDFCrit Care
August 2024
Importance: Maneuvers assessing fluid responsiveness before an intravascular volume expansion may limit useless fluid administration, which in turn may improve outcomes.
Objective: To describe maneuvers for assessing fluid responsiveness in mechanically ventilated patients.
Registration: The protocol was registered at PROSPERO: CRD42019146781.
Background: Fluid administration is the first line treatment in intensive care unit (ICU) patients with sepsis and septic shock. While fluid boluses administration can be titrated by predicting preload dependency, the amount of other forms of fluids may be more complex to be evaluated. We conducted a retrospective analysis in a tertiary hospital, to assess the ratio between fluids given as boluses and total administered fluid intake during early phases of ICU stay, and to evaluate the impact of fluid strategy on ICU mortality.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFObjectives: To assess microvascular reactivity during a skin thermal challenge early post-cardiac surgery and its association with outcomes.
Design: Noninvasive physiological study.
Setting: Thirty-five-bed department of intensive care.
Introduction: The seasonal flu is a very important reason for consultation every winter. Symptoms can quickly progress to severe pneumonia. Currently, few tools exist to assess the clinical severity of patients.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFObjectives: To identify research priorities in the management, epidemiology, outcome, and pathophysiology of sepsis and septic shock.
Design: Shortly after publication of the most recent Surviving Sepsis Campaign Guidelines, the Surviving Sepsis Research Committee, a multiprofessional group of 16 international experts representing the European Society of Intensive Care Medicine and the Society of Critical Care Medicine, convened virtually and iteratively developed the article and recommendations, which represents an update from the 2018 Surviving Sepsis Campaign Research Priorities.
Methods: Each task force member submitted five research questions on any sepsis-related subject.
Background: Intraoperative arterial hypotension (IOH) leads to increased postoperative morbidity. Norepinephrine is often use to treat IOH. The question regarding the mode of administration in either a bolus or continuous infusion remains unanswered.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFDuring septic shock, vasopressor infusion is usually started only after having corrected the hypovolaemic component of circulatory failure, even in the most severe patients. However, earlier administration of norepinephrine, simultaneously with fluid resuscitation, should be considered in some cases. Duration and depth of hypotension strongly worsen outcomes in septic shock patients.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFCardiogenic shock causes hypoperfusion within the microcirculation, leading to impaired oxygen delivery, cell death, and progression of multiple organ failure. Mechanical circulatory support (MCS) is the last line of treatment for cardiac failure. The goal of MCS is to ensure end-organ perfusion by maintaining perfusion pressure and total blood flow.
View Article and Find Full Text PDF