Septic shock is defined as a serious complication of sepsis, which includes treatment based on water and antibiotic replenishment, the person continues with reduced blood pressure and lactate levels above 2 mmol/L. These parameters are evaluated periodically in the hospital to check the patient’s evolution. , respond to the treatment and need for other procedures.
Septic shock is considered a medical challenge, because when the patient is in this state of disease, it is in a weaker state, in addition to a higher infectious focus and a higher prevalence of toxic substances produced. microorganisms.
- Due to lower blood pressure.
- It is common for people with septic shock to have the greatest difficulty in blood circulation.
- As they will provide less oxygen to important organs such as the brain.
- Heart and kidneys.
- There are other signs and symptoms more specific to septic shock.
- Such as disinfection of canteen urine and changes in mental state.
Treatment of septic shock is done by a person admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) with the use of medications and antibiotics to regulate heart and kidney function and eliminate the responsible microorganism; when treated immediately, septic shock can heal.
As septic shock is considered a complication of sepsis, the signs and symptoms presented by the patient are the same, with strong and persistent fears and increased cardiac barking, in addition, in case of septic shock, it is also possible to observe:
Symptoms of septic shock occur when the microorganism builds up in the bloodstream and releases its toxins, which stimulate the person’s immune system causing the release of cytokines and inflammatory mediators to fight infection. If the patient does not respond to treatment due to the high level of very high microorganisms, severe sepsis may develop and, due to septic shock.
Due to the large amount of toxins, there can be a change in the amount of oxygen that will release organisms, which could lead to the fall of organisms and make life difficult.
The occurrence of septic shock is related to the resistance of microorganisms to treatment, in addition to the state of the person’s immune system; people who remain in the hospital for a long time, who have diseases that compromise immunity, who have recently undergone surgery, who are malnourished, who are of the older age, are at increased risk of developing septic shock.
Other possible causes of septic shock are the presence of infected tubes and catheters, which are hospital teams in daily and direct contact with the hospitalized patient, in this way the microorganism can spread more easily to the bloodstream, proliferate and release toxins that eventually compromise the functioning of the body and the supply of oxygen to tissues, characterizing septic shock.
Diagnosis of septic shock is based on the person’s clinical examination and laboratory tests. Normally, there is a blood test that identifies whether there is a change in the contents of blood cells (erythrocytes, leukocytes, and platelets), if there is any problem with kidney function, in the concentration of oxygen in the blood, and there is some change in the amount of electrolytes present in the blood. Other examples your doctor may request are related to identifying the microorganism that caused the crash.
Diagnosis of septic shock is concluded when, in addition to the signs and symptoms characteristic of sepsis, an increase in lactate concentration and persistence of blood pressure are identified even after treatment.
Treatment of septic shock should be performed in the ICU (Intensive Care Unit) and aims to eliminate the sepsis-causing agent and the end of septic shock. In addition, vasoactive drugs are indicated to regulate blood pressure, in addition to water replenishment to increase volume and therefore promote the transport of oxygen in the tissue.
If septic shock is confirmed, treatment with a strong antibiotic should be initiated, even if the focus of the infection is not separated. It aims to eliminate the microorganism that caused the infection as quickly as possible, thus reducing the body’s immune response.
Treatment is performed with the use of antibiotics based on the identified microorganism. Learn more about the problem to identify the best antibiotic against microorganisms.
During septic shock, blood circulation is severely affected, interfering with the oxygenation of the body. High doses of intravenous sucrose, about 30 ml per kg, are recommended to help maintain blood flow and improve drug response.
Because of low blood pressure figures, they cannot be treated with intravenous hydration alone, it is generally necessary to use blood pressure-raising medications, called vasopressors to reach blood figures below 65 mmHg.
Examples of these medications include norepinephrine, vasopressin, dopamine, and adrenaline, for example, which are medications that should be used with strict clinical control to avoid further complications. Other options include the use of a medicine that increases the strength of the heart to bark, called Dobutamine.
This may be necessary for patients who show signs of insufficient blood flow and who have hemoglobin anemia by decreasing 7 mg / dL. Know the main indications of blood transfusion.
Corticosteroids, such as hydrocortisone, may be prescribed to reduce inflammation, however, only in cases of refractory septic shock, if you choose, in those that do not even reach better blood pressure, hydration and medication use.
In all cases hemodialysis is indicated, however, this may be an option in severe cases where rapid elimination of excess electrolytes is necessary, an acidity of the blood that severely decreases the functioning of the kidneys.