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Updated: May 25, 2026

Real-Time Assessment of Spinal Cord Microperfusion in a Porcine Model of Ischemia/Reperfusion
Published on: December 10, 2020
[Pathophysiological mechanisms and treatment of septic shock-induced vasoplegia]
S Jeanneret1, B Sanchez, L Liaudet
1Service de medecine intensive adulte, et centre des brûlés CHUV et Faculté de biologie et médecine, 1011 Lausanne. severin.jeanneret@chuv.ch
Abstract:
The hemodynamics of septic shock is characterized by a primary reduction of vascular tone, which defines vasoplegia. Septic vasoplegia is due to reduced endogenous production of vasopressin, as well as to the overproduction of vasodilating molecules (nitric oxide, prostacyclin, peroxynitrite and kynurenine) and the opening of ATP-sensitive potassium channels. Treatment is supportive and includes primarily alpha-adrenergic catecholamines. Vasopressin may also be useful, although its place is still controversial. Further agents can improve the vascular responsiveness to catecholamines, most notably low doses hydrocortisone, and, to a lesser extent, activated protein C. Further, innovative therapies, based on recent understanding of pathophysiological mechanisms, might become useful agents to treat septic vasoplegia in the future.
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