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Objective: To compare the effects of different volume replacement therapies on maintenance of plasma volume in septic shock and capillary leakage syndrome.Design and Setting: Prospective randomized, controlled animal laboratory study in a university animal laboratory.Measurements and Results: Twenty-five fasted, anaesthetized, mechanically ventilated and multi-catheterized pigs (20.8+/-1.8 kg) received 1 g/kg body weight faeces into abdominal cavity to induce sepsis and were observed over 8 h. Five animals each received volume replacement therapy with modified fluid gelatin 4% or 8% (MFG4%, MFG8%), 6% HES 200/0.5, or Ringer's solution and were compared to controls receiving 6% HES 200/0.5. Infusion rate was titrated to maintain a central venous pressure of 12 mmHg. Plasma volume was determined using (51)Cr-labelled erythrocytes and standard formulae. Albumin escape rate was calculated using technetium (99m)Tc-labelled albumin. Colloid osmotic pressure, systemic haemodynamics and oxygenation were obtained before and 4 and 8 h after induction of sepsis. Plasma volume was reduced in the Ringer's solution group (-46%) but was maintained in HES (+/-0%), MFG4% (+4%), MFG8% (+23%) groups. Albumin escape rate increased in HES (+52%), MFG4% (+47%), MFG8% (+54%) and the Ringer's solution group (+41%) compared to controls.Conclusion: In this porcine septic shock model with concomitant capillary leakage syndrome, confirmed by an increased albumin escape rate, the artificial colloids HES, MFG4%, and MFG8% maintained plasma volume and colloid osmotic pressure. These results suggest the intravascular persistency of artificial colloids in the presence of albumin leakage. An editorial regarding this article can be found in the same issue (http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00134-002-1283-9) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Capillary leakage syndrome (CLS) is a frequent complication in sepsis, characterized by loss of intravasal fluids leading to generalized edema and hemodynamic instability despite massive fluid therapy. In spite of its importance no standardized diagnostic criteria are available for CLS.Design: Prospective clinical study.Setting: 1,800-bed university hospitalPatients: Six septic shock patients with CLS were compared to six control patients.Measurements and Results: CLS was clinically determined by generalized edema, positive fluid balance, and weight gain. Plasma volume was measured by indocyanine green, red blood cell volume by chromium-51 labeled erythrocytes, and colloid osmotic pressure before and 90 min after the administration of 300 ml 20% albumin. Extracellular water (ECW) was measured using the inulin distribution volume and bioelectrical impedance analysis. Red blood cells averaged 20.2 +/- 1.0 ml/ kg body weight in CLS patients and 23.3 +/- 4.1 in controls. ECW was higher in CLS patients than in controls (40.0 +/- 6.9 vs. 21.7 +/- 3.71; p< 0.05). ECW of inulin was correlated with that measured by bioelectrical impedance analysis (r = 0.74, p< 0.01). The increase in colloid osmotic pressure over the 90 min was less in CLS patients than in controls (1.1 +/- 0.3 vs. 2.8 +/- 1.3 mmHg;p< 0.05).Conclusion: These results suggest that measurements of an increased ECW using bioelectrical impedance analysis combined with a different response of colloid osmotic pressure to administration of albumin can discriminate noninvasively between patients with and those without CLS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The extent of complement and contact activation is related to outcome in sepsis. A low functional index of their main blocker C1-esterase inhibitor (C1-INH) is considered as a relative deficiency of C1-INH and might contribute to the development of fatal complications in the intensive care unit. The first results of therapeutic intervention with C1-INH concentrate in septic shock are promising. We report on our experience of C1-INH concentrate administration in a young woman with Caroli's disease as ultimate rescue therapy for septic shock with capillary leakage syndrome after combined liver and kidney transplantation. No focus of infection was detectable and thus surgical intervention was not indicated. Antibiotic therapy at that time included vancomycin, tobramycin, meropenem and fluconazol. Hemodynamic stabilization occurred within hours after administration of C1-INH concentrate. Simultaneously a reduction in vasopressor medication was possible and negative fluid balance was achieved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]