title: [Pathophysiological mechanisms and treatment of septic shock-induced vasoplegia].
abstract: The hemodynamics of septic shock is characterized by a primary reduction of vascular tone, which defines vasoplegia. Septic vasoplegia is due to reduced endogenous production of vasopressin, as well as to the overproduction of vasodilating molecules (nitric oxide, prostacyclin, peroxynitrite and kynurenine) and the opening of ATP-sensitive potassium channels. Treatment is supportive and includes primarily alpha-adrenergic catecholamines. Vasopressin may also be useful, although its place is still controversial. Further agents can improve the vascular responsiveness to catecholamines, most notably low doses hydrocortisone, and, to a lesser extent, activated protein C. Further, innovative therapies, based on recent understanding of pathophysiological mechanisms, might become useful agents to treat septic vasoplegia in the future.
authors.affiliation: Service de medecine intensive adulte, et centre des brûlés CHUV et Faculté de biologie et médecine, 1011 Lausanne. severin.jeanneret@chuv.ch
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Jeanneret
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Sanchez
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Liaudet
mesh_terms: D002395:Catecholamines / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D006854:Hydrocortisone / Q000627:therapeutic use; D054086:KATP Channels / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology; D008954:Models, Biological; D009569:Nitric Oxide / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology; D030421:Peroxynitrous Acid / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology; D044062:Prostaglandins I / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology; D011486:Protein C / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012772:Shock, Septic / Q000150:complications* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000628:therapy*; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000502:physiology; D056987:Vasoplegia / Q000209:etiology* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000628:therapy*; D014667:Vasopressins / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D002395:Catecholamines; D054086:KATP Channels; D044062:Prostaglandins I; D011486:Protein C; D014667:Vasopressins; D030421:Peroxynitrous Acid; D009569:Nitric Oxide; D006854:Hydrocortisone