Review article: Inotrope and vasopressor use in the emergency department |
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Authors: | Ainslie Senz Leo Nunnink |
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Affiliation: | 1. Department of Emergency Medicine, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital,;2. Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Princess Alexandra Hospital and;3. University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia |
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Abstract: | Shock is a common presentation to the ED, with the incidence of septic shock increasing in Australasia over the last decade. The choice of inotropic agent is likely dependent on previous experience and local practices of the emergency and other critical care departments. The relatively short duration of stay in the ED before transfer leaves little room for evaluating the appropriateness of and response to the agent chosen. Delays in transfer to inpatient facilities means that patients receive advanced critical care within the ED for longer, requiring initiation and titration of vasoactive agents in the ED. This article discusses the general concepts of shock and the indicators for inotrope and vasopressor use, revises the various agents available and reviews the current evidence for their use. |
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Keywords: | shock inotropic agents vasoactive agents |
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