title: Review article: inotrope and vasopressor use in the emergency department.
abstract: Shock is a common presentation to the ED, with the incidence of septic shock increasing in Australasia over the last decade. The choice of inotropic agent is likely dependent on previous experience and local practices of the emergency and other critical care departments. The relatively short duration of stay in the ED before transfer leaves little room for evaluating the appropriateness of and response to the agent chosen. Delays in transfer to inpatient facilities means that patients receive advanced critical care within the ED for longer, requiring initiation and titration of vasoactive agents in the ED. This article discusses the general concepts of shock and the indicators for inotrope and vasopressor use, revises the various agents available and reviews the current evidence for their use.
authors.affiliation: Department of Emergency Medicine, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Butterfield Street, Herston, QLD 4006, Australia. ainsliesenz@yahoo.com.au
authors.forename: Ainslie
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Senz
authors.forename: Leo
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Nunnink
mesh_terms: D002316:Cardiotonic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital; D006801:Humans; D012769:Shock / Q000188:drug therapy*; D012770:Shock, Cardiogenic / Q000188:drug therapy; D012772:Shock, Septic / Q000188:drug therapy; D014662:Vasoconstrictor Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*
chemical_list: D002316:Cardiotonic Agents; D014662:Vasoconstrictor Agents