Title: Intermediate-High Risk PE Patients<br/>Author: Mike Winters<br/><a href='http://umem.org/profiles/faculty/141/'>[Click to email author]</a><hr/><p>
<u><strong>Management of Intermediate-High Risk PE Patients</strong></u></p>
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Though there are varying definitions, intermediate-high risk patients with a PE are generally defined as those who are hemodynamically stable, have radiographic or laboratory evidence of right heart strain, and an elevated PE risk score.</li>
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A few key management pearls include:
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Be judicious with IVFs to avoid worsening septal shift and fruther decreases in LV cardiac output.</li>
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Consider dobutamine for severe RV dysfunction.</li>
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Administer norepinephrine, if needed, to achieve a MAP of 65 mm Hg.</li>
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Avoid initiation of positive pressure ventilation, if possible. </li>
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If intubation is needed for clinical deterioriation avoid propofol for RSI. Propofol has been associated with increased mortality in this patient population.</li>
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<fieldset><legend>References</legend>
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Weinstein T, et al. Advanced management of intermediate-high risk pulmonary embolism. <em>Crit Care</em>. 2021; 25:311.</p>
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