title: Pharmacologic treatment related to severe sepsis.
abstract: Severe sepsis is a complex syndrome often resulting in multiple organ dysfunction. This is an extremely challenging problem to manage in the intensive care unit, with mortality rates remaining at unacceptably high levels. Death of patients afflicted by this condition generally results from organ dysfunction syndromes related to hypoperfusion abnormalities. Management of patients with severe sepsis or septic shock can be very complex and challenging, utilizing a significant amount of resources. Pharmacologic support of patients with severe sepsis or septic shock primarily involves agents to support and improve perfusion at the microvascular level. It is important to understand the pharmacologic properties of the medications utilized to manage patients with these conditions. The information presented in this article is based on the best evidence currently available in order to assist the critical care nurse in understanding the pharmacologic therapy related to treatment of severe sepsis and septic shock.
authors.affiliation: Critical Care and Neuroscience, Clarian Health Partners, Methodist Hospital, 1701 N. Senate Blvd, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA. jpowers@clarian.org
authors.forename: Jan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Powers
authors.forename: Judith
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Jacobi
mesh_terms: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000890:Anti-Infective Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002316:Cardiotonic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007328:Insulin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012772:Shock, Septic / Q000188:drug therapy; D018746:Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome / Q000188:drug therapy*; D014662:Vasoconstrictor Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D000890:Anti-Infective Agents; D002316:Cardiotonic Agents; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents; D007328:Insulin; D014662:Vasoconstrictor Agents