Septic shock: Hypotension Rx

Septic Shock = Vasidilatory Shock characterized by a low afterload state in which organ perfusion is impaired.

Mechanisms:

1. Systemic venodilation from increased nitric oxide levels
2. Decreased circulating intravascular volume from a diffuse capillary leak and the resulting transudation of fluid into tissues, producing a relative hypovolemia.
3. Myocardial depression

There are many mechanisms for diffuse capillary leak from endothelial injury resulting from endotoxin, exotoxin, DIC, and many inflammatory factors.