Cardiac Arrest During Anesthetic Induction in Refractory Septic Shock

Pathophysiological Mechanisms

• The American College of Critical Care Medicine recommends that patients with refractory septic shock be managed with vasopressors, such as norepinephrine, to maintain blood pressure, and that anesthetic induction be performed with caution to avoid further hemodynamic compromise 1

Respiratory Dysfunction

• The Society of Critical Care Medicine suggests that patients with septic shock-associated acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) require protective ventilation with tidal volumes of 6 mL/kg predicted body weight to minimize further lung injury and hemodynamic compromise 2, 3, 4

Hemodynamic Support

• The European Society of Intensive Care Medicine recommends that patients with refractory septic shock receive aggressive hemodynamic support, including vasopressors and inotropes, to maintain blood pressure and perfusion of vital organs 1