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Published on: February 20, 2021
Management of septic shock
Rakesh Lodha1, Tejo Pratap Oleti, S K Kabra
1Department of Pediatrics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Ansari Nagar, New Delhi 110029, India. rakesh_lodha@hotmail.com
Insights
Early goal-directed resuscitation is key for pediatric septic shock, involving aggressive fluid administration and vasoactive drugs. Effective management improves survival rates in pediatric intensive care units.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Critical Care Medicine
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases
- Pediatric Emergency Medicine
Background:
- Septic shock is a significant cause of mortality in pediatric sepsis.
- Incidence varies globally, with higher rates in Indian Pediatric Intensive Care Units (PICUs) compared to Western PICUs.
- Early intervention is crucial for improving outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To outline the current understanding and management strategies for pediatric septic shock.
- To emphasize the importance of early goal-directed resuscitation.
- To discuss fluid resuscitation, vasoactive agents, and supportive care.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature and clinical guidelines for pediatric septic shock management.
- Focus on early goal-directed resuscitation protocols.
- Discussion of pharmacological interventions including fluids, inotropes, vasopressors, and vasodilators.
Main Results:
- Aggressive fluid resuscitation (up to 60 mL/kg) with crystalloids is the initial mainstay.
- Fluid-refractory shock requires vasoactive drugs; dopamine is a first-line choice.
- Inotropic agents (dobutamine, low-dose epinephrine) and vasopressors (norepinephrine) are essential.
- Nitrosodilators and inodilators may benefit specific shock types.
Conclusions:
- Early goal-directed resuscitation is critical for managing pediatric septic shock.
- Tailored use of fluids and vasoactive medications is essential.
- Comprehensive supportive care significantly improves patient outcomes.
Abstract:
Septic shock is an important cause of mortality in children with sepsis. The incidence of septic shock is 2-4% of admissions in western pediatric intensive care units and 40%-67% for Indian PICUs. Early goal-directed resuscitation that includes aggressive fluid resuscitation of up to 60 mL/kg as boluses of 20 mL/kg by IV push, to achieve desired heart rates and blood pressure, has emerged as mainstay of treatment in the initial stage. Crystalloids are the preferred fluids, while colloids may be used in some situations. Fluid refractory shock warrants use of vasoactive drugs. Dopamine is the first choice. Dobutamine and low dose epinephrine are the preferred inotropic drugs while nor-epinephrine is a vasopressor. Children with cold shock and normal blood pressure may benefit from nitrosodilators like nitroprusside and nitroglycerine. Inodilators such as milrinone are also useful in this situation. Targeting clinical therapeutic end-points assists the management. Good supportive care is also essential for improving the outcomes.
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