The microcirculation and its measurement in sepsis
Matthew Charlton1, Mark Sims2, Tim Coats3
1Anaesthetics and Critical Care, Diagnostic Development Unit, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK.
Journal of the Intensive Care Society
|November 10, 2017
Summary
Sepsis causes microcirculatory dysfunction, impacting patient prognosis in intensive care units. Current bedside monitoring of this small vessel system is limited, despite its importance in maintaining homeostasis.
Area of Science:
- Physiology
- Cardiovascular System
- Critical Care Medicine
Background:
- The microcirculation, comprising the smallest blood vessels, is crucial for maintaining bodily homeostasis.
- Microcirculatory dysfunction is an early indicator in sepsis pathophysiology, correlating with disease severity and patient outcomes in intensive care units (ICUs).
- Current clinical practice lacks routine bedside monitoring of microcirculatory function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To detail the pathophysiology of microcirculatory derangements in sepsis.
- To outline methods for measuring microcirculatory function.
- To review evidence supporting the clinical application of these measurement techniques.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of sepsis pathophysiology.
- Description of various microcirculatory measurement techniques.
- Analysis of clinical studies on microcirculatory monitoring in sepsis.
Main Results:
- Sepsis leads to significant microcirculatory alterations.
- Several methods exist for assessing microcirculatory function, including direct and indirect techniques.
- Evidence suggests a correlation between microcirculatory parameters and patient prognosis.
Conclusions:
- Microcirculatory dysfunction is a key feature of sepsis with prognostic implications.
- Developing and implementing bedside monitoring of the microcirculation could improve patient management.
- Further research is needed to standardize measurement techniques and integrate them into routine clinical care.
