Delayed vasopressor initiation is associated with increased mortality in patients with septic shock

Despite significant advancements in the management of septic shock, mortality rates remain high. Systemic vasodilation leading to inadequate tissue perfusion and in turn multi-organ failure leads to death. Strategic sepsis bundles were introduced by the 2016 Surviving Sepsis Campaign (SSC) and recommend antibiotics within 1 hour of onset and early and aggressive fluid resuscitation, as well as three and six-hour bundles to allow for re-evaluation. Vasopressor initiation to correct hemodynamic instability that is unresponsive to fluid resuscitation can occur  at any number of points during resuscitation per the SSC recommendations. Despite the crucial role of vasopressors in maintaining hemodynamic stability, there is limited data to show how the timing of vasopressor initiation affects outcomes, though some studies have shown mortality benefit with e arly administration of vasopressors in septic shock.
Source: The Journal of Emergency Medicine - Category: Emergency Medicine Authors: Tags: Abstract Source Type: research