title: Skin microcirculation and vasopressin infusion: a laser Doppler study.
abstract: Use of arginine vasopressin in the management of refractory vasodilatory shock has been associated with development of ischaemic skin lesions. Because of the increasing popularity of arginine vasopressin, it is important to evaluate its effects on microcirculatory blood flow. Such studies are crucial if we are to appreciate the microcirculatory consequences of our various resuscitation strategies. However, methodological issues must always be considered because they can significantly influence interpretation of the results. Some aspects of use of laser Doppler to evaluate the microcirculation are reviewed within the context of recent findings presented by Luckner and coworkers in this issue of Critical Care.
authors.affiliation: Intensive Care Service, Hôpital du Sacré-Coeur de Montréal, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
authors.forename: Francis
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Bernard
authors.forename: Alain
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Vinet
authors.forename: Colin
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Verdant
mesh_terms: D001127:Arginine Vasopressin / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D001783:Blood Flow Velocity / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D007260:Infusion Pumps; D017078:Laser-Doppler Flowmetry / Q000379:methods*; D008833:Microcirculation / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D012867:Skin / Q000098:blood supply* / Q000187:drug effects*
chemical_list: D001127:Arginine Vasopressin