Safety considerations of septic shock treatment

Abstract

Introduction: The management of sepsis essentially relies on effective resuscitation with fluids and vasopressors, appropriate and adequate antimicrobial therapy, and organ support. Any of these interventions can have beneficial but also harmful effects.

Areas covered: We focus on the key hemodynamic signs of sepsis and discuss the potential safety risks associated with the management of each of them, including optimizing arterial pressure, cardiac output and oxygen delivery. We also underline the importance of the timing of interventions.

Expert opinion: Patients with septic shock are heterogeneous, making it particularly difficult to provide therapeutic recommendations that are safe and effective for all. A personalized medicine approach should be used with treatment decisions carefully considered and the risks and benefits of each intervention balanced in each individual patient.

Keywords: Cardiac output; arterial pressure; microcirculation; oxygen delivery.