Skin microcirculation and vasopressin infusion: a laser Doppler study
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* Corresponding author: Colin Verdant c-verdant@crhsc.rtss.qc.ca
1 Intensive Care Service, Hôpital du Sacré-Coeur de Montréal, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
2 Department of Physiology and Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
3 Hôpital du Sacré-Coeur de Montréal Research Center, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Critical Care 2006, 10:135 doi:10.1186/cc4884
See related research article http://ccforum.com/content/10/2/R40
Published: 29 March 2006Abstract
Use of arginine vasopressin in the management of refractory vasodilatory shock has been associated with development of ischaemic skin lesions. Because of the increasing popularity of arginine vasopressin, it is important to evaluate its effects on microcirculatory blood flow. Such studies are crucial if we are to appreciate the microcirculatory consequences of our various resuscitation strategies. However, methodological issues must always be considered because they can significantly influence interpretation of the results. Some aspects of use of laser Doppler to evaluate the microcirculation are reviewed within the context of recent findings presented by Luckner and coworkers in this issue of Critical Care.