Shock: causes, initial assessment, and investigations

Publication date: Available online 4 February 2020Source: Anaesthesia & Intensive Care MedicineAuthor(s): Gráinne Gallagher, Dashiell GantnerAbstractShock is an umbrella term used to describe pathological processes that clinically manifest in a final common pathway of widespread cellular hypoxia. Shock develops through the interplay of disease processes and maladaptive host responses resulting in disrupted homeostasis. Central and generic components of shock include cellular hypoxia, hyperlactaemia and hypotension. Multiorgan failure usually ensues if left untreated or when management is delayed. The long-term effects include physical and psychological morbidity, as well as socioeconomic burden. As shock is a common feature of many life-threatening pathologies, its significance has been emphasized in medical education and public health campaigns globally in recent years. Key to preventing the morbidity and mortality caused by shock is early recognition, a structured approach to management, and understanding the rationale behind the different modalities of treatment. While it is beyond the scope of one article to discuss the vast subject of shock in as much depth as it deserves, this article provides an overview of shock syndromes, their context in the realms of normal physiology, and reviews the management of shock in a general context. The fundamental philosophy is that the appropriate and timely treatment of shock will save countless lives.

Source: Anaesthesia and intensive care medicine - February 5, 2020 Category: Anesthesiology Source Type: research