[Pathophysiological mechanisms and treatment of septic shock-induced vasoplegia].

Abstract

The hemodynamics of septic shock is characterized by a primary reduction of vascular tone, which defines vasoplegia. Septic vasoplegia is due to reduced endogenous production of vasopressin, as well as to the overproduction of vasodilating molecules (nitric oxide, prostacyclin, peroxynitrite and kynurenine) and the opening of ATP-sensitive potassium channels. Treatment is supportive and includes primarily alpha-adrenergic catecholamines. Vasopressin may also be useful, although its place is still controversial. Further agents can improve the vascular responsiveness to catecholamines, most notably low doses hydrocortisone, and, to a lesser extent, activated protein C. Further, innovative therapies, based on recent understanding of pathophysiological mechanisms, might become useful agents to treat septic vasoplegia in the future.

• Authors: S Jeanneret, B Sanchez, L Liaudet
• Journal: Revue medicale suisse (Rev Med Suisse) Vol. 7 Issue 321 Pg. 2435-8 (Dec 14 2011) ISSN: 1660-9379 [Print] Switzerland
• Vernacular Title: Physiopathologie et traitement de la vasoplégie au cours du sepsis.
• PMID: 22279861 (Publication Type: English Abstract, Journal Article, Review)

Chemical References

• Catecholamines
• KATP Channels
• Prostaglandins I
• Protein C
• Vasopressins
• Peroxynitrous Acid
• Nitric Oxide
• Hydrocortisone

Topics

• Catecholamines (therapeutic use)
• Humans
• Hydrocortisone (therapeutic use)
• KATP Channels (metabolism, physiology)
• Models, Biological
• Nitric Oxide (adverse effects, metabolism, physiology)
• Peroxynitrous Acid (adverse effects, metabolism, physiology)
• Prostaglandins I (adverse effects, metabolism, physiology)
• Protein C (therapeutic use)
• Shock, Septic (complications, metabolism, therapy)
• Signal Transduction (physiology)
• Vasoplegia (etiology, metabolism, therapy)
• Vasopressins (therapeutic use)