This article is part of the supplement: A reappraisal for the use of pulmonary artery catheters

Review

Hemodynamic optimization of sepsis-induced tissue hypoperfusion

Sergio L Zanotti Cavazzoni and R Phillip Dellinger

Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, Camden, New Jersey, USA

author email corresponding author email

Critical Care 2006, 10(Suppl 3):S2doi:10.1186/cc4829

Published:	27 November 2006

Abstract

Sepsis is associated with cardiovascular changes that may lead to development of tissue hypoperfusion. Early recognition of sepsis and tissue hypoperfusion is critical to implement appropriate hemodynamic support and prevent irreversible organ damage. End points for resuscitation need to be defined and invasive hemodynamic monitoring is usually required. Targets for hemodynamic optimization should include intravascular volume, blood pressure, and cardiac output. Therapeutic interventions aimed at optimizing hemodynamics in patients with sepsis include aggressive fluid resuscitation, the use of vasopressor agents, inotropic agents and in selected cases transfusions of blood products. This review will cover the most important aspects of hemodynamic optimization for treatment of sepsis induced tissue-hypoperfusion.