[New findings in emergency care and resuscitation in patients at risk for endotoxic shock]

Endotoxin shock is not only the reflexion of Gram-negative focal infection but also the consequence of dysfunction of the intestinal mucous barrier and a decline of the detoxication capacity, in particular of the hepatic mesenchymal phagocytic system during a critical state. Cytokines and the primary LPS complex and its lipid A resp. are of basic importance. They start the release of a large amount of TNF alpha, IL-1, IL-6, IL-8 and other cascades. Acute shock is controlled nowadays more frequently than in the past, however, there is a high risk of a very adverse reaction of remote organs, which is very adverse from the prognostic aspect. A series of laboratory markers has a greater validity than the clinical picture alone. For screening derived markers are used not primary markers. Despite this they provide adequate information. Prophylaxis and treatment include selective bacterial decontamination, or active or passive immunization (PSAEVA, hyperimmune sera), minidoses of dopamine in a continuous infusion, early enteral nutritional intervention, in particular enteral nutrition containing glutamine. Monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies against the LPS complex and cytokines are tested, blocking their receptors or possibly early plasmapheresis. Permanent pillars of therapeutic tactics are still a radical and early elimination of possible infectious foci and targeted administration of antibiotics and maintenance of the perfusion pressure and adequate oxygenation.