Microcirculatory dysfunction in sepsis

David J Lundy; Stephen Trzeciak

doi:10.1016/j.ccc.2009.06.002

Microcirculatory dysfunction in sepsis

Crit Care Clin. 2009 Oct;25(4):721-31, viii. doi: 10.1016/j.ccc.2009.06.002.

Authors

David J Lundy¹, Stephen Trzeciak

Affiliation

¹ Department of Surgery, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School at Camden, Cooper University Hospital, Camden, NJ 08103, USA. lundy-david@cooperhealth.edu

PMID: 19892249
DOI: 10.1016/j.ccc.2009.06.002

Abstract

This article discusses the role of microcirculatory dysfunction in the pathophysiology of sepsis, reviewing the role of the endothelium in modulating microcirculatory flow, discussing the function of nitric oxide in mediating microcirculatory blood flow, and outlining means of evaluating microcirculatory function in septic patients. Finally, potential novel therapies and challenges in treating microcirculatory dysfunction in septic patients are discussed.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Animals
Blood Coagulation / physiology
Capillaries / physiology
Disease Models, Animal
Endothelial Cells / physiology
Endothelium, Vascular / physiopathology*
Humans
Microcirculation / physiology*
Mouth Floor / physiology
Nitric Oxide / physiology
Regional Blood Flow
Sepsis / physiopathology*

Substances

Nitric Oxide