Dopexamine and Norepinephrine vs. Epinephrine in Septic Shock
Author Information
Author(s): Philippe Seguin, Bruno Laviolle, Patrick Guinet, Isabelle Morel, Yannick Mallédant, Eric Bellissant
Primary Institution: Hôpital de Pontchaillou, Université de Rennes 1, Rennes, France
Hypothesis
How do dopexamine and norepinephrine compare to epinephrine in affecting gastric perfusion in patients with septic shock?
Conclusion
Dopexamine-norepinephrine enhances gastric mucosal blood flow more than epinephrine in septic shock patients at similar mean arterial pressure levels.
Supporting Evidence
- Gastric mucosal blood flow increased significantly more with dopexamine-norepinephrine than with epinephrine.
- Heart rate and cardiac output increased more with epinephrine than with dopexamine-norepinephrine.
- No significant difference in mean arterial pressure was observed between the two groups.
Takeaway
In sick patients with low blood pressure, a mix of dopexamine and norepinephrine helps blood flow to the stomach better than just using epinephrine.
Methodology
This was a prospective randomized study conducted in a surgical intensive care unit, comparing the effects of dopexamine-norepinephrine and epinephrine on gastric mucosal blood flow.
Potential Biases
There may be risks of bias due to the open-label design and the subjective nature of some measurements.
Limitations
The study was limited by the small sample size and the potential for bias in patient selection.
Participant Demographics
Adults over 18 years with septic shock, including both genders.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p = 0.048
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website