title: Mechanisms, detection, and potential management of microcirculatory disturbances in sepsis.
abstract: Despite improvements in resuscitation and treatment of sepsis, the morbidity and mortality remain unacceptably high. Microvascular dysfunction has been shown to play a significant role in the pathogenesis of sepsis and is a potential new target in the management of sepsis. Clinical studies, aided by new techniques that allow for real-time assessment of the microcirculation, have shown that disturbances in microcirculatory flow are common in sepsis and correlate with worse outcomes. Bedside measurement of microcirculatory perfusion has become simpler and more accessible, and may provide key insights into prognosis in sepsis and guide future therapeutics, much like mean arterial pressure (MAP), lactate, and mixed central oxygen saturation (SvO(2)) do now. The authors review here the role of microcirculatory dysfunction in sepsis and its potential role as a therapeutic target in sepsis.
authors.affiliation: Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care, Oregon Health and Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, UHN-67, Portland, OR 97239, USA.
authors.forename: Imran
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Mohammed
authors.forename: Stephanie A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Nonas
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D008833:Microcirculation / Q000502:physiology; D018805:Sepsis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D014652:Vascular Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy*