J L Vincent - Böcker

The significance of a change in Pa02 occuring in a patient with cardiovascular instability cannot be ascertained unless the values for PV0 and CV02 are known. A fall in Pa02 could 2 reflect worsening of pulmonary function or deterioration of cardiac output (with resultant increase in systemic oxygen extraction). PEEP/CPAP would be an appropriate therapy in the former case but frankly deleterious in the latter if applied prior to cardiovascular stabiliza- tion. References 1. Douglas ME, Downs JB, Dannemiller FJ et al (1976) Change in pulmonary venous admixture with varying inspired oxygen. Anesthesia and Analgesia 55:688-695 2. Kelman GR, Nunn JF, Prys-Roberts C et al (1967) The influence of cardiac output on arterial oxygena- tion. A theoretical study. Br J Anaesth 39:450-458 3. Kirby RR (1986) Respiratory vs cardiovascular dysfunction - How can we differentiate? ASA Refresher Course Lectures, 102 4. Nunn JF (1977) Applied respiratory physiology (2nd ed). Butterworth et Co 5. Van Aken H, Lawin P (1981) Der EinfluB des Herzminutenvolumens auf die arterielle Oxygenation.

An experienced physician knows how to recognize a patient suffering from sepsis, but cannot accurately determine whether the patient will survive. Cardinal elements of the treatment for sepsis include specific antibiotic and vasoactive drugs, enteral and parenteral nutrition, artificial respiration, and optimization of the oxygen transport to tissues. Nonetheless, with a certain frequency, these techniques are insufficient to ensure the recovery of a critically ill patient, especially when it is necessary to overcome functional alterations subsequent to organ and vital-system overload. The key elements in the progression of the sepsis-MODS syndrome are tied to numerous factors. These include: the severity and location of the lesion; the patient's age; the remaining functional reserve; and the presence of mediatory which may be stimulatory, inhibitory or both. This overview is aimed at anaesthesiologists and doctors.