1. Pharmacological management of pediatric patients with sepsis.
- Author
-
Simmons ML, Durham SH, and Carter CW
- Subjects
- Anti-Inflammatory Agents therapeutic use, Cardiotonic Agents therapeutic use, Hemodynamics drug effects, Humans, Hydrocortisone therapeutic use, Hypoglycemic Agents therapeutic use, Insulin therapeutic use, Resuscitation nursing, Sepsis mortality, Sepsis nursing, Sepsis physiopathology, Vasoconstrictor Agents therapeutic use, Anti-Bacterial Agents therapeutic use, Critical Care, Pediatrics methods, Resuscitation methods, Sepsis drug therapy
- Abstract
With an overall mortality rate of 4.2%, sepsis is one of the most common causes of death in children worldwide. The Surviving Sepsis Campaign outlines rapid initiation of volume resuscitation with crystalloids and timely administration of broad-spectrum antibiotics as the backbone of sepsis treatment. Initial antibiotics should be broad enough to cover the most likely pathogens, but antibiotic therapy should be de-escalated when culture results become available. Therapy with a vasopressor and/or an inotrope is often necessary in patients with sepsis to improve blood pressure and cardiac output. Adjunctive therapy with hydrocortisone is sometimes beneficial in the setting of catecholamine resistance and/or adrenal insufficiency. Insulin may also be needed in some patients for the treatment of hyperglycemia. Current guidelines have improved the treatment of sepsis, but more research is needed. This article reviews sepsis pathophysiology, treatment, and supportive care specifically as they relate to pediatric patients.
- Published
- 2012
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