[Distributive shock and it's therapy by cardio-vascular acting drugs]

Distributive shock is defined as circulatory insufficiency induced by excessive dilatation of the peripheral vasculature or maldistribution of cardiac output. Septicemia, systemic inflammatory response syndrome, anaphylaxis, injuries to the central nervous system, and drug intoxication are causative factors of shock. Circulatory derangements induced by bacterial infection have been divided into hyperdynamic and hypodynamic shock. Administration of inotropic drugs, vasopressors, and/or vasodilators are primary treatments in this type of shock. Continuous infusion of norepinephrine to maintain blood pressure or administration of inoptropes such as dopamine or dobutamine are recommended to improve tissue perfusion. High-dose intravenous epinephrine is required to reestablish cardiac function, followed by continuous infusion of norepinephrine in severe anaphylactic shock. Vasoconstrictors such as norepinephrine, vasopressin, or amaminone are administered to maintain vascular tone in shock caused by nerve damage or drug overdose.