Sepsis-induced diastolic dysfunction in chronic canine peritonitis

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Critical Care Medicine
• Veterinary Medicine

Background:

• Sepsis is a life-threatening organ dysfunction caused by a dysregulated host response to infection.
• Hyperdynamic sepsis is characterized by increased cardiac output and decreased systemic vascular resistance.
• Understanding cardiac dysfunction in sepsis is crucial for improving patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of hyperdynamic sepsis on both systolic and diastolic cardiac function in a chronic canine model.
• To evaluate the role of increased end-diastolic volume in maintaining cardiac performance during sepsis.

Main Methods:

• A chronic canine model of sepsis was induced using cecal ligation and puncture (SEP) with high-volume fluid resuscitation.
• Cardiac function was assessed using ultrasonic crystals and pressure measurements.
• Animals were randomized to SEP or sham control groups.

Main Results:

• SEP dogs exhibited fever, lethargy, elevated leukocytes, and positive blood cultures.
• The SEP group showed hyperdynamic circulation with increased heart rate and cardiac output.
• Systolic function (Emax) was reduced, and diastolic function was impaired with increased ventricular volumes and decreased compliance.

Conclusions:

• Chronic hyperdynamic sepsis significantly impairs both systolic contractility and diastolic function in canines.
• Increased unstressed and end-diastolic ventricular volumes may be a compensatory mechanism to maintain global cardiac performance during sepsis.
• This model provides insights into cardiac adaptations during sepsis, relevant for clinical management.