Adrenaline in treatment of septic shock: effects on haemodynamics and oxygen transport

The effects of adrenaline on haemodynamics and oxygen transport were studied in 13 patients with septic shock persisting after optimal fluid loading. Adrenaline was administered by intravenous infusion at an increasing dose until no further benefit was seen. There were significant increases in mean arterial pressure, cardiac index, left ventricular stroke work index and oxygen delivery index. There was no significant change in oxygen consumption although the trend was towards an increase. There was a significant reduction in oxygen extraction ratio, but no change in shunt fraction. Adrenaline would appear to have beneficial haemodynamic effects in septic shock.