Active clinical trials for "Shock, Septic"

Myocardial strain analysis has emerged in the last decade as a reliable tool for studying myocardial mechanics, adding information on cardiac performance when compared with traditional parameters of left ventricle (LV) systolic function, such as ejection fraction (EF). However, their relative load dependency makes the myocardial deformation indices unable to account for changes in pre- and afterload. Myocardial work (MW) is emerging as an alternative tool for studying LV myocardial systolic function, because it incorporates both deformation and load into its analysis. The purpose of this observational trial is to validate the use of MW in septic shock patients by means of consecutive echocardiographic assessment at predefined timepoints. Secondarily, we'll evaluate the impact of the vasoactive drugs used in septic shock patients (vasopressors and inotropes) on MW and on ventriculo-arterial coupling.

Anisodamine has been widely used in China for its pharmacological effect on improving microcirculation during shock. It has been reported that anisodamine is effective in reducing mortality rate in children with meningitis. however, its effectiveness in patients with septic shock has not been systematically investigated. The aim of the study is to investigate the effectiveness of anisodamine in the treatment of patients with septic shock.

The purpose of the study is to determine if a protocol that assesses patients' daily fluid intake and output can decrease the overall amount of fluid patients receive during the first five days in the ICU. The study will also determine if decreasing overall fluids can decrease adverse events associated with mechanical ventilation, such as ventilator-associated pneumonias. The protocol will include daily ultrasounds and blood draws to evaluate fluid balance. Ultrasound will be used to measure changes in the diameter of the inferior vena cava with respiration.

The aim of the study is to evaluate whether fluid responsiveness of the critically ill patient can be assessed by analysing the PEEP-induced hemodynamic effects to systolic blood pressure, pulse pressure, aortic blood flow, aortic time-velocity integral and left ventricular end diastolic area measured with transesophageal echocardiography (PEEP-test). The chances are compared to increase of CI after volume expansion (gold standard). In clinical practise, it would be especially relevant if PEEP-induced changes in arterial pressure variations could be used in evaluation of volume status and fluid responsiveness. However, as ECHO-derived variables are used in greater extent to guide the treatment with inappropriate evidence, the simultaneous registration of ECHO-derived hemodynamic measurements is essential in the study design.

Fluid resuscitation remains the foundation for septic treatment.The evaluation of fluid responsiveness has significance in volume resuscitation for septic shock patients. As the sedative which is commonly used in ICU, Midazolam is supposed to change fluid responsiveness for the pharmacological effect of venodilation. However, the hypothesis has not been certified clinically. In this research, the investigators aim to test the hypothesis that Midazolam can increase fluid responsiveness(using passive leg raising test) in septic shock patients.

Severe sepsis/septic shock is a serious condition associated with high mortality rate. Hydrocortisone has been recommended as a useful treatment to decrease mortality in hemodynamically unstable septic shock patients, not response to fluid and moderate dose of vasopressor. During the progression of severe sepsis/septic shock, multi-organ dysfunction can develop. Acute lung injury (ALI) and its more severe form, acute respiratory syndrome (ARDS) is one of the common organ dysfunction associated with septic shock. Information from a meta-analysis suggested that moderate dose of hydrocortisone may improve the ARDS patients' outcome. Whether hydrocortisone can effectively prevent disease progression and death in severe sepsis/septic shock patients who complicated with ALI/ARDS has not been proven.

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the pharmacokinetics of pioglitazone and to determine the effect on inflammatory biomarkers for pioglitazone in patients with severe sepsis and septic shock.

Although arginine vasopressin has been used as an additional drug in refractory shock in worldwide clinical practice, there are no prospective studies using it as a first choice therapy in patients with cancer and septic shock. The aim of this study is assess if the use of arginine vasopressin would be more effective on treatment of septic shock in cancer patients than norepinephrine, decreasing the composite end point of mortality and organ failure in 28 days.

The investigators hypothesize that dobutamine is able to revert negative redistribution of flow by inducing a selective vasodilatory effect on hypoperfused territories, particularly at the sublingual and gastric mucosa, and at the peripheral tissues. The investigators designed a randomized, cross-over, placebo-controlled study looking at the acute physiologic effects of 5 mcg/kg/min fixed-dose of dobutamine on cardiac function, microcirculation, gastric mucosal, hepatosplanchnic, and peripheral perfusion in septic shock patients.

By tradition hydroxyethyl starch (HES) is used to obtain fast circulatory stabilisation in critically ill. High molecular weight HES may, however, cause acute kidney failure in patients with severe sepsis. Now the low molecular weight HES 130/0.4 is the preferred colloid in Scandinavian intensive care units (ICU) and 1st choice fluid for patients with severe sepsis. HES 130/0.4 is largely unstudied in ICU patients. This investigator-initiated Scandinavian multicentre trial will be conducted to assess the effects of HES 130/0.4 on mortality and endstage kidney failure in patients with severe sepsis. The trial will provide important data to all clinicians who resuscitate septic patients.