This is Episode 122 – Sepsis and Septic Shock: What Matters, from the EM Cases Course 2019
In this podcast Dr. Sara Gray, intensivist and emergency physician, co-author of The CAEP Sepsis Guidelines, answers questions such as: How does one best recognize occult septic shock? How does SIRS, qSOFA and NEWS compare in predicting poor outcomes in septic patients? Which fluid and how much fluid is best for resuscitation of the septic shock patients? What are the indications for norepinephrine, and when in the resuscitation should it be given in light of the CENSER trial? What are the goals of resuscitation in the patient with sepsis or septic shock? When should antibiotics administered, given that the latest Surviving Sepsis Campaign Guidelines recommend that antibiotics be administered within one hour of arrival for all patients suspected of sepsis or septic shock? What are the indications for a second vasopressor after norepinephrine? Given the conflicting evidence for steroids in sepsis, what are the indications for steroids? Should we be considering steroids with Vitamin C and thiamine for patients in septic shock? What are the pitfalls of lactate interpretation, and how do serial lactates compare to capillary refill in predicting poor outcomes in light of the ANDROMEDA trial? Is procalcitonin a valuable prognostic indicator in septic patients? and many more…With interludes by Rory Spiegel on the ANDROMEDA-SHOCK RCT, Justin Morgenstern on the CENSER trial, and Rob Simard on the value of IVC girth and collapsibility for guiding fluid management in septic shock as well as George Kovacs on airway considerations in the septic shock patient.
Podcast production, sound design & editing by Anton Helman
Written Summary and blog post by Anton Helman, March, 2019
Cite this podcast as: Helman, A. Gray, S., Morgenstern, J., Spiegel R., Kovacs, G., Simard, R. Sepsis and Septic Shock – What Matters. Emergency Medicine Cases. March, 2019. https://emergencymedicinecases.com/sepsis-septic-shock. Accessed [date]
The latest definitions of sepsis and septic shock
As per the Third International Consensus Definitions for Sepsis and Septic Shock [1]:
Sepsis is “life-threatening organ dysfunction caused by a dysregulated host response to infection” with a SOFA score ≥2.
Septic shock is “a subset of sepsis in which particularly profound circulatory, cellular, and metabolic abnormalities are associated with a greater risk of mortality than with sepsis alone”, identified clinically by a vasopressor requirement to maintain a MAP ≥ 65 and serum lactate ≥ 2 mmol/L in the absence of hypovolemia.
Severe sepsis is no longer part of the definitions.
What is the best clinical tool to aid in the recognition of sepsis and septic shock?
While many cases of sepsis and septic shock are obvious clinically, occult septic shock may be missed early in the ED stay leading to poor outcomes. Early recognition of sepsis is essential. In cases that are not obvious, it is recommended to use a clinical tool to help prognosticate and guide management.
A recent retrospective study compared the clinical tools SIRS, qSOFA, and NEWS (National Early Warning Score) for the early identification of sepsis in the ED, and found that NEWS was more accurate that both SIRS and qSOFA for the early recognition of septic shock [2]. qSOFA had the lowest sensitivity and only moderate specificity while SIRS had poor specificity. NEWS had equivalent or superior value for most test characteristics relative to SIRS and qSOFA based on another recent retrospective study [3]. The beauty of the NEWS is that it can be calculated rapidly at triage without the need for blood test results and it allows for improved risk stratification.
The beauty of the NEWS is that it can be calculated at triage without the need for blood test results and it allows for improved risk stratification.
Lab tests in the early management of sepsis and septic shock
Lactate as a diagnostic marker for sepsis and septic shock
If you are still unsure if your patient is septic or not after calculating the NEWS, obtain a serum lactate early.
Tip: Send a venous gas with your initial labs, and have the lab run the lactate on that so you get it back fast. You might be surprised to get back a very elevated lactate on a patient with an otherwise low pretest probability for sepsis, and this may help guide your management.
We know that lactate is useful to help identify occult septic shock in those patients who don’t present in florid septic shock, but it is very nonspecific and there are many false positives including any type of shock, liver failure, seizures, Type B Lactic Acidosis from many drugs including Ventolin/albuterol.
Procalcitonin as a diagnostic marker for sepsis and septic shock
So we know that lactate isn’t perfect. Maybe there’s another lab test that can help guide us when lactate fails us. Is there a role for obtaining a serum procalcitonin level on a patient who you’re not sure has sepsis?
A meta-analysis from 2015 suggested that procalcitonin levels in early stages of sepsis are significantly lower among survivors as compared with nonsurvivors of sepsis [4]. However, a more recent retrospective study using the Sepsis-3 definition outlined above, found that procalcitonin using a cutoff of 0.41 ng/dL had a sensitivity of only 75% and specificity of 64% for sepsis and using a cutoff of 4.7 ng/dL had a sensitivity of only 66% and specificity of 79% for septic shock [5]. Procalcitonin lacks negative predictive value. Other studies suggest that procalcitonin may help risk stratify pneumonia and guide antibiotic de-escalation, but it’s use in sepsis in the ED is probably not very helpful.
Update 2021: Retrospective study of 1,188 participants at a tertiary care ER assessing in-hospital mortality rates of patients with sepsis before and after implementation of ED sepsis teams (activated after two SIRS criteria met). Post-implementation of ED sepsis teams, found significant decline in in-patient hospital mortality rates, ED length of stay, and hospital length of stay. Abstract
Resuscitation fluid of choice in sepsis and septic shock
SALT-ED trial looked at about 13,000 ED patients from a single center in an unblinded fashion, some of which were diagnosed with sepsis, who received more than 500cc of either saline or balanced crystalloid (1.5L on average) and then were admitted to hospital wards. They found that there was no significant difference in length of stay, but in a secondary outcome analysis, the saline group had a significantly higher 30 day composite of death, dialysis or creatinine >200% from baseline with an NNT of 111 [6].
SMART trial had a similar design, but with 15,800 patients admitted to the ICU. They had a pre-specified subgroup of about 2,000 septic patients and their primary outcome was a 30 day composite of death, dialysis or creatinine >200% from baseline. The saline group had significantly higher primary outcome (39% vs 34%) with a NNT of 20. In the secondary outcome analysis the septic patients who received saline had a higher mortality rate (29% vs 25%) compared to those who received balanced solutions (Ringer’s or Plasmalyte) with an NNT = 24 [7].
While these studies have several flaws (non-blinded, composite end point, balanced solutions groups did not specify Ringer’s Lactate vs Plasmalyte, adjusted analysis required to show significance, making claims based on secondary outcomes – to name a few), our expert nonetheless recommends Ringer’s Lactate as the initial resuscitation fluid of choice in sepsis and septic shock because normal saline is thought to be associated with worsening hyperchloremic metabolic acidosis [8] as well as renal vasoconstriction from the chloride load resulting in poor renal function [9], and these recent studies, while flawed, do suggest worse renal function and possibly increased mortality with saline compared to balanced solutions.
For a competing view on resuscitation fluid of choice based on the SALT-ED and SMART trials listen to Justin Morgenstern’s EM Quick Hit starting at 26:45
Logistics of giving RL. You’ll need one IV line for your antibiotics and a separate one for RL because Ceftriaxone, as well as some formulations of Piperacillin-Tazobactam are incompatible with Ringer’s Lactate.
Endpoint of resuscitation: How much fluid should be given up front in sepsis and septic shock?
There is no cookbook recipe here. The Surviving Sepsis Campaign 2018 Update [10] suggests starting a rapid administration of 30mL/kg crystalloid for patients with hypotension or a lactate ≥ 4, while the Canadian Guidelines from 2008 suggest “an initial bolus of 1–2 L of crystalloid or 500–1000 mL of colloid should be given over 30–60 minutes and repeated as required to correct tissue perfusion and/or blood pressure abnormalities.”[11] The ProCESS [12], ARISE [13] and ProMISe [14] trials bring no clarity as to the optimal amount of fluid for sepsis and septic shock.
In practice, some patients will only need 1 litre, others will require 5. Titrate your fluids to the individual. In general, initial fluid resuscitation should be enough to keep the MAP ≥ 65 while end-organ perfusion is maintained (adequate urine output, level of awareness, capillary refill and decreasing lactate). It is reasonable to target a MAP of 60 or 55 in younger, otherwise healthy patients or 70-75 in patients with known untreated hypertension. POCUS IVC width and collapsability [15] are other measures that can aid in the determination of whether or not a patient with sepsis has been adequately volume resuscitated, but should not be used alone in this determination. Other measures such as end tidal CO2, pulse pressure variability and passive leg raise test to assess fluid responsiveness can also be integrated into decision making. Even for patients with a history of heart failure or who have signs of acute heart failure, crystalloid boluses should be given to maintain adequate end-organ perfusion. Fluid should be administered via at least two proximal large bore peripheral IVs, wide open, under pressure.
Update 2022: A multicenter RCT including 1554 adult ICU patients with septic shock found no difference in 90 day all cause mortality between patients following a restrictive IV fluid protocol (250-500cc isotonic boluses for clinical signs of hypoperfusion or replacement of documented losses) and patients following standard IV fluid therapy (CLASSIC RCT). Abstract.
Update 2023: A multicenter randomized controlled trial including 1563 patients with sepsis-induced hypotension refractory to initial treatment with 1-3L of IV fluids comparing a restrictive fluid strategy (prioritizing vasopressors and low intravenous fluid volumes) and a liberal fluid strategy (prioritizing higher volumes of intravenous fluid before vasopressor use) found that death from any cause before discharge home by day 90 was not significantly different between the two groups (14.0% vs 14.9% respectively, estimated difference -0.9%, 95% CI -4.4 to 2.6, P=0.61) (CLOVERS trial). Abstract
Endpoint of resuscitation: Lactate clearance vs Capillary refill time normalization
The 2019 ANDROMEDA-SHOCK RCT of 424 patients with septic shock compared normalization of Lactate vs normalization of capillary refill time in the resuscitation of patients with septic shock [16]. Using lactate clearance resulted in more fluid administered, more vasopressors and more epinephrine without any significant improvement in outcomes. There was a trend toward higher 28-day mortality in the lactate clearance group (35% in the capillary refill time group vs 43% in the lactate clearance group), a difference that did not reach statistical significance. These results question whether lactate clearance is the optimal endpoint of resuscitation in septic shock, and whether lactate-guided management may even cause harm.
Procalcitonin clearance has also been studied [17]. A prospective, observational cohort ICU study of patients with severe sepsis and septic shock found that 24- and 48-hour procalcitonin clearance scores were significantly higher in survivors. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.76 for 24- and 48-hour procalcitonin clearance scores.
Starting norepinephrine in sepsis and septic shock: Is earlier better?
Probably. The Surviving Sepsis Campaign 2018 Update suggests starting norepinephrine if the patient is hypotensive during or after fluid resuscitation to maintain a MAP ≥ 65. There is no need to wait for 2-3L of crystalloid to go in. A more recent study, CENSER, is the first ever prospective randomized trial looking at vasopressors in sepsis. Patients in Thailand presumed to be septic with a MAP <65 were randomized to receive norepinephrine 0.05 micrograms/kg/min without titration for 24hrs or placebo [18]. The primary outcome was shock control by 6 hours. This was defined as sustained MAP>65 (>15 minutes) plus 2 consecutive hours of urine output >0.5ml/kg/hr or decrease in serum lactate >10% from the initial lactate level. 76.% in the early norepinephrine group vs 48% of the control group achieved shock resolution at 6 hours. Mortality was lower in the early norepinephrine group (16% vs 22%) but not statistically significant. This study is consistent with previous data that suggests that early initiation of norepinephrine is septic shock is preferable, although large RCTs are pending. Currently, the CLOVERS trial [19] is underway comparing early vasopressors to IV fluid resuscitation.
We know that we can give norepinephrine through a peripheral line safely and quickly if done carefully through a large proximal IV with hourly extremity checks. A central line is not a priority in the early resuscitation phase.
Dosing norepinephrine in septic shock
Start at 5 mcg/min and titrate immediately after each q5minute BP check. This will likely require you to stay at the bedside. Note that a radial arterial line may underestimate MAP compared to a femoral arterial line by as much as 5 mmHg in early septic shock and >5 in advanced shock, leading to higher doses of norepinephrine than are necessary. [20]
Vasopressin is the second line vasopressor in septic shock
Vasopressin reduces the need for norepinephrine but does not reduce mortality
The VANISH study suggested that while early vasopressin does maintain blood pressure and reduce the requirement for norepinephrine and renal replacement therapy, it does not reduce the number of renal replacement free days or mortality rate [21]. The VASST study did not show a mortality benefit from adding vasopressin if the MAP was adequately maintained with norepinephrine [22].
Vasopressin dosing 0.03-0.04 units/min
When should vasopressin be initiated in septic shock?
There is no clear evidence for the indications for staring vasopressin in patients with septic shock. Our expert recommends starting vasopressin when moderate doses of norepinephrine (as in 0.5 mcg/kg/min or 35 mcg/min) have been reached.
Antibiotic timing, administration and choice in sepsis and septic shock
Timing of antibiotic administration in sepsis and septic shock
We know that with each passing hour that antibiotics are not initiated in septic shock, survival drops – it’s a time bomb. Which may not be the case for sepsis without septic shock [23]. Nonetheless, this prompted the newest Surviving Sepsis Campaign Guidelines to mandate antibiotics within the 1st hour of the patient hitting triage for anyone suspected of sepsis as part of their Sepsis Management Bundle [10]. There has been a huge backlash against this mandate, because we would end up giving expensive antibiotics to many patients who do not need them, possibly get distracted from other possible life threatening diagnoses, and contribute to antibiotic resistance. This mandate may be neither safe, nor feasible. A recent review article in Annals of EM looked at the evidence for improved survival for the 1-hour management bundle concluded that there was no high or moderate level evidence for benefit [23]. Rather than aiming for antibiotic administration within 1 hour of arrival at the ED, our expert recommends to aim for antibiotic administration within 1 hour of the diagnosis being made.
How fast should antibiotics be given in sepsis and septic shock? We use push dose pressors – why not push dose antibiotics?
Once the decision to give IV antibiotics has been made they should be given over 5 minutes (rather than the usual 30 minutes) in order to reach peak effect as early as possible. The exception is vancomycin which must be given slowly. Give the most important antibiotic first, and consider administering the second antibiotic orally at the same time as the IV antibiotic if the second antibiotic has excellent bioavailability (e.g. cephalexin, ciprofloxacin, doxycycline etc).
Which antibiotics are best for sepsis without an apparent source?
We also know from a study out of Chest in 2009 that inappropriate antibiotic choice decreases survival in sepsis [24]. So it is important to choose your antibiotics wisely based on local antibiograms. Work with your ID team to develop local guidelines and ideally build them into your EMR. Resist the urge to give piperacillin-tazobactam and vancomycin to all septic patients. This may result in higher resistance rates and missing important bacteria such as toxin producing organisms requiring Clindamycin or Legionella requiring Ampicillin. This highlights the importance of searching for the source of infection early. Chest, urine, abdomen are #1, #2 and #3 of sources of infection that are not immediately obvious on clinical exam. After that don’t forget line sepsis and meningitis because those require removal of the line and early LP.
Update 2021: Multicenter study of 3,376 patients with bloodstream infections showed the administration of a B-lactam agent (most commonly Piperacillin-tazobactam (79.5%), Cefepime (20.5%) or Meropenem (5%)) prior to vancomycin protected against both 48-hour and 7-day mortality. Order of administration of either vancomycin or B-lactam first did not improve survival in sub-group of MRSA bloodstream infections. Abstract
What are the indications for steroids in septic shock?
There has been much conflicting evidence for the benefit of steroids in septic shock. The latest ADRENAL [25] and APROCH-SS [26] studies last year unfortunately did not clarify the issue.
ADRENAL was an international, double-blind RCT of 3800 vented ICU patients with septic shock randomized to hydrocortisone infusion 200mg/day or placebo for 7 days. Primary outcome was 90 day mortality which was about 28% in both groups. However secondary outcomes of shock reversal, ventilator free days, LOS in the ICU, and fewer blood transfusions required would improved in the hydrocortisone group.
APROCCHSS (Activated Protein C and Corticosteroids for Human Septic Shock) trial was a multicenter, double blind RCT comparing hydrocortisone + fludrocortisone therapy vs activated protein C vs combination of three drugs vs respective placebo. Primary outcome was 90 day mortality which was 43% in the hydrocortisone group vs 49% in the placebo group. These patients were sicker than the patients in the ADRENAL trial. In other words, beneficial effects may only be seen in those patients with the highest illness severity scores.
Bottom line: Although the evidence is mixed as to whether or not steroids are beneficial in septic shock, our expert recommends administering steroids for:
- Vasopressor refractory shock (i.e. patient remains in shock despite norepinephrine 0.5mcg/kg/min)
- Patients who are taking steroid medications at baseline
- Patients with concomitant adrenal suppression
Another fairly recent retrospective small single center observational study looked at mortality rates among patient with septic shock who received thiamine, steroids and vitamin C (47 pts in each arm, 1.5 g vitamin C IV every 6 hours, hydrocortisone 50 mg IV every 6 hours, and thiamine 200 mg IV every 12 hours)[27]. Mortality was 8.5% in those treated with the cocktail of all 3 medications vs 40% in those not. Although this is a large outcome difference, larger RCTs are pending to guide practice.
Update 2022: : An international, double blind, multi-center RCT of adult patients with sepsis receiving vasopressor therapy in the ICU who received intravenous vitamin C had a higher risk of death or persistent organ dysfunction at 28 days than those who received placebo (LOVIT RCT). Abstract
Take home points on sepsis and septic shock
Calculate NEWS to detect subtle cases of occult septic shock.
Less saline, more Ringer’s, even if acute heart failure, especially in renal failure and severe acidosis.
Norepinephrine whenever MAP <65 – earlier rather than later.
Early antibiotics (within 1hr of the diagnosis rather than 1 hour of arrival at ED), given over 5 minutes (except vancomycin over 30 minutes), chosen wisely according to local antibiograms.
Use a combination of MAP, GCS, urine output, initial lactate, capillary refill time, POCUS IVC to guide initial fluid resuscitation, individualized to each patient.
If the lactate is rising despite resuscitative efforts call your intensivist. Early to ICU is preferable, but remember that capillary refill time may be as good, or even better than lactate at guiding resuscitation.
Consider vasopressin and hydrocortisone if a MAP of 65 cannot be maintained with 35mcg/min norepinephrine and ongoing fluid resuscitation.
References
- Singer M, Deutschman CS, Seymour CW, et al. The Third International Consensus Definitions for Sepsis and Septic Shock (Sepsis-3). JAMA. 2016;315(8):801-10.
- Usman O, et al. Comparison of SIRS, qSOFA, and NEWS for the early identification of sepsis in the Emergency Department. Am J Emerg Med. 2018.
- Goulden R, Hoyle MC, Monis J, et al. qSOFA, SIRS and NEWS for predicting in hospital mortality and ICU admission in emergency admissions treated as sepsis. Emerg Med J. 2018;35(6):345-349.
- Arora S, Singh P, Singh PM, Trikha A. Procalcitonin Levels in Survivors and Nonsurvivors of Sepsis: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Shock. 2015;43(3):212-21.
- Kim SJ, Hwang SO, Kim YW, Lee JH, Cha KC. Procalcitonin as a diagnostic marker for sepsis/septic shock in the emergency department; a study based on Sepsis-3 definition. Am J Emerg Med. 2019;37(2):272-276.
- Self WH, Semler MW, Wanderer JP, et al; SALT-ED Investigators. Balanced Crystalloids versus Saline in Noncritically Ill Adults. N Engl J Med. 2018 Mar 1;378(9):819-828.
- Semler MW, Self WH, Wanderer JP, et al; SMART Investigators and the Pragmatic Critical Care Research Group. Balanced Crystalloids versus Saline in Critically Ill Adults. N Engl J Med. 2018 Mar 1;378(9):829-839.
- Williams EL, Hildebrand KL, Mccormick SA, Bedel MJ. The effect of intravenous lactated Ringer’s solution versus 0.9% sodium chloride solution on serum osmolality in human volunteers. Anesth Analg. 1999;88(5):999-1003.
- Lobo DN, Awad S. Should chloride-rich crystalloids remain the mainstay of fluid resuscitation to prevent ‘pre-renal’ acute kidney injury?: con. Kidney Int. 2014;86(6):1096-105.
- Levy, M., Evans, L. and Rhodes, A. The Surviving Sepsis Campaign Bundle: 2018 update. Intensive Care Med,2018;44: 925.
- Green RS, Djogovic D, Gray S, et al. Canadian Association of Emergency Physicians Sepsis Guidelines: the optimal management of severe sepsis in Canadian emergency departments. CJEM. 2008;10(5):443-59.
- Yealy DM, Kellum JA, Huang DT, et al. A randomized trial of protocol-based care for early septic shock. N Engl J Med. 2014;370(18):1683-93.
- Jiang LB, Zhang M, Jiang SY, Ma YF. Early goal-directed resuscitation for patients with severe sepsis and septic shock: a meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis. Scand J Trauma Resusc Emerg Med. 2016;24:23.
- Mouncey, P et al. Trial of Early, Goal-Directed Resuscitation for Septic Shock. N Engl J Med 2015; 372:1301-1311.
- Corl KA, George NR, Romanoff J, et al. Inferior vena cava collapsibility detects fluid responsiveness among spontaneously breathing critically-ill patients. J Crit Care. 2017;41:130-137.
- Hernández G, Ospina-tascón GA, Damiani LP, et al. Effect of a Resuscitation Strategy Targeting Peripheral Perfusion Status vs Serum Lactate Levels on 28-Day Mortality Among Patients With Septic Shock: The ANDROMEDA-SHOCK Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA. 2019;321(7):654-664.
- De azevedo JR, Torres OJ, Beraldi RA, Ribas CA, Malafaia O. Prognostic evaluation of severe sepsis and septic shock: procalcitonin clearance vs Δ Sequential Organ Failure Assessment. J Crit Care. 2015;30(1):219.e9-12.
- Permpikul C, Tongyoo S, Viarasilpa T, Trainarongsakul T, Chakorn T, Udompanturak S. Early Use of Norepinephrine in Septic Shock Resuscitation (CENSER) : A Randomized Trial. Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2019;Feb 1.
- Self WH, Semler MW, Bellomo R, et al. Liberal Versus Restrictive Intravenous Fluid Therapy for Early Septic Shock: Rationale for a Randomized Trial. Ann Emerg Med. 2018;72(4):457-466.
- Kim WY, Jun JH, Huh JW, Hong SB, Lim CM, Koh Y. Radial to femoral arterial blood pressure differences in septic shock patients receiving high-dose norepinephrine therapy. Shock. 2013;40(6):527–31.
- Gordon AC, Mason AJ, Thirunavukkarasu N, et al. Effect of Early Vasopressin vs Norepinephrine on Kidney Failure in Patients With Septic Shock: The VANISH Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA. 2016;316(5):509-18.
- Russell JA, Walley KR, Singer J, et al. Vasopressin versus norepinephrine infusion in patients with septic shock. N Engl J Med. 2008;358(9):877-87.
- Sanghvi S, Podlog M, Aycock RD. Does the Severe Sepsis and Septic Shock Early Management Bundle (SEP-1) Improve Survival in Septic Adults?. Ann Emerg Med. 2018.
- Kumar A, Ellis P, Arabi Y, Roberts D, Light B, Parillo J, et al. Initiation of inappropriate antimicrobial therapy results in a fivefold reduction of survival in human septic shock. Chest. 2009;136:1237–48.
- Venkatesh B, Finfer S, Cohen J, et al. Adjunctive Glucocorticoid Therapy in Patients with Septic Shock. N Engl J Med. 2018.
- Annane D, Renault A, Brun-buisson C, et al. Hydrocortisone plus Fludrocortisone for Adults with Septic Shock. N Engl J Med. 2018;378(9):809-818.
- Marik PE, Khangoora V, Rivera R, Hooper MH, Catravas J. Hydrocortisone, Vitamin C, and Thiamine for the Treatment of Severe Sepsis and Septic Shock: A Retrospective Before-After Study. Chest. 2017;151(6):1229-1238.
Other FOAMed Resources on Sepsis and Septic Shock
REBEL EM on balanced vs unbalanced fluids
First10EM on IV Fluid Choice Part 2 – The SMART Trial
First10EM on IV Fluid Choice Part 3 – The SALT-ED Trial
EMCrit Update on Sepsis 2019
EMNerd (EMCrit) on The Case of the Unbalanced Solution
REBEL EM on CENSER trial
Drs. Helman, Gray, Kovacs, Spiegel and Morgenstern have no conflicts of interest to declare
Now test your knowledge with a quiz.
Is there any evidence to support particularly rapid administration of iv fluids in sepsis?
You discussed using a level 1 and pressure bags to deliver fluid boluses.
In my experience those techniques would be more applicable to blood products for an exsanguinating patient.
The condition of the patient two days before final presentation states a degree of confusion plus 3 on the NEWS score .
The other vital signs 48 hrs before presentation on second occasion would be of interest ..
Making the diagnosis of occult sepsis earlier is an area for research .
Excellent résumé for sepsis ….thanks you Dr Helman….great post cast
Following on from ” Recognising Sepsis Early ” spoken off by Dr Sarah Gray – In the case in the case of 72 yr old gentleman presenting on first contact with ED with “intermittent confusion” and ” generalised weakness ” intermittent confusion testing is not described .
Tests for early or intermittent confusion could include the Montreal Cognitive Assesment particularly repeating FACE VELVET CHURCH if able to do this then to try to repeat FACE VELVET CHURCH RED .
The next quick test is the FOUR Digits in forward order 2185 then the FIVE digits in forward order 21854 and then the THREE digits in backward order and there are other tests in MOCA such as serial seven subtraction from 100 -93-86-79-72-65 … and the ABSTRACTION tests ie similarity between banana and orange – fruit train bicycle watch and ruler : plus the date month year day .
Aim : in the NEWS score CONFUSION is by AVPU : the brief MOCA ought be more sensitive and trigger observation in a short stay ward or discharge with earlier review eg next morning by return to ED phone call or SMS ..
Great episode! I am an Ontario paramedic and would love some expert advice on dopamine use in a septic shock patient. I understand norepinephrine would be preferred but in our system dopamine is the only vasopressor we carry. Is it reasonable to call my physician to consult the use of dopamine for its alpha-adrenergic effects, while also providing aggressive fluid therapy (0.9% NaCl, no RL unfortunately)? Or are dopamine’s pitfalls not worth its potential benefit in these patients?
In 2023 Norepinephrine is clearly the initial pressor of choice in septic shock. WRT to NS vs RL the debate is still ongoing, although theoretically RL usually wins. We know that starting pressors early in septic shock is probably beneficial, so I think it is perfectly reasonable to start NS + Dopamine on route to the ED. The volume of fluid is another ongoing debate and the literature seems to contradict itself. I would avoid being overly aggressive with fluid resuscitation. Just shoot for a MAP of 60. I suggest advocating for NE on your trucks.
Sounds great! Thank you very much for your reply, Dr Helman.