Title: Things to Consider for Persistent or Worsening Shock<br/>Author: Mike Winters<br/><a href='http://umem.org/profiles/faculty/141/'>[Click to email author]</a><hr/><p>
<strong><u>Things to Consider for Persistent or Worsening Septic Shock</u></strong></p>
<ul>
<li>
Septic shock is one of the most common critical illnesses in emergency medicine and critical care.</li>
<li>
Norepinephrine is recommended as the initial vasopressor of choice for patients with septic shock, with vasopressin or epinephrine commonly added as a second vasopressor for patients with refractory shock.</li>
<li>
While vasopressors are being added and titrated, it is important to consider additional diagnoses in patients with worsening or persistent septic shock. Some of these diagnoses include:
<ul>
<li>
Undetected infection that requires emergent source control</li>
<li>
Concomitant causes of shock: cardiogenic, PE, abdominal compartment syndrome, tamponade, adrenal insufficiency</li>
<li>
Severe acidosis</li>
<li>
MAP underestimation by a radial arterial line</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<fieldset><legend>References</legend>
<p>
Teja B, et al. How we escalate vasopressor and corticosteroid therapy in patients with septic shock. <em>Chest</em>. 2023; 163:567-74.</p>
</fieldset>