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Systemic mediators released from the gut in critical illness
1Department of Surgery, University Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden.
Critical Care Medicine
|February 1, 1993
Summary
Critical illness can cause gut injury, leading to bacterial translocation and release of myocardial depressant factors. This impacts the intestinal mucosal barrier and cardiac function.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Critical Care Medicine
- Cardiology
Background:
- The gut plays a crucial role in critical illness, influencing systemic responses.
- Intestinal mucosal barrier integrity is vital for preventing translocation of harmful substances.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review mediators released from the gut during critical illness.
- Emphasis on intestinal mucosal barrier function, bacterial products, and myocardial depressant factors.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of relevant English language articles.
- Synthesis of existing information to discuss key concepts.
Main Results:
- Gut injury in critical states (shock, sepsis, ischemia) is rapid due to reduced blood flow and increased oxygen demand.
- Increased intestinal permeability allows bacterial and endotoxin translocation.
- Release of unidentified myocardial depressant factors occurs, impacting cardiac function.
Conclusions:
- Intestinal mucosal injury in critical illness contributes to bacterial and endotoxin translocation.
- Release of myocardial depressant factors from the gut affects circulation.