title: Low cardiac output syndrome: identification and management.
abstract: Low cardiac output syndrome (LCOS) is a clinical condition that is caused by a transient decrease in systemic perfusion secondary to myocardial dysfunction. The outcome is an imbalance between oxygen delivery and oxygen consumption at the cellular level which leads to metabolic acidosis. Although LCOS is observed most commonly in patients after cardiac surgery, it may present in various disease processes resulting in cardiac dysfunction. This article provides an overview of the determinants involved in oxygen transport, the physiologic factors influencing cardiovascular function, the assessment of hemodynamic variables, the etiology of LCOS, and management strategies, including a brief review of some pharmacologic agents that are used in the treatment of low cardiac output.
authors.affiliation: Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Montreal Children's Hospital, McGill University Centre, 2300 Tupper Street, Room F-240, Montreal, Quebec, H3H 1P3, Canada. linda.masse@muhc.mcgill.ca
authors.forename: Linda
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Massé
authors.forename: Marie
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Antonacci
mesh_terms: D001784:Blood Gas Analysis; D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000502:physiology; D002302:Cardiac Output / Q000502:physiology; D002303:Cardiac Output, Low / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D002316:Cardiotonic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002648:Child; D003422:Critical Care / Q000379:methods*; D006339:Heart Rate / Q000502:physiology; D006454:Hemoglobins / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D008991:Monitoring, Physiologic / Q000451:nursing; D009730:Nursing Assessment; D010101:Oxygen Consumption / Q000502:physiology; D010347:Patient Care Planning / Q000458:organization & administration; D010371:Pediatric Nursing / Q000379:methods*; D010726:Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014665:Vasodilator Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D002316:Cardiotonic Agents; D006454:Hemoglobins; D010726:Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors; D014665:Vasodilator Agents