Pressure Doesn't Equal Flow: Understanding Vasopressors-Gustavo Flores

When patients are severely hypotensive and volume resuscitation is not enough, timely use of appropriate vasopressors can be lifesaving. The selection of the appropriate vasopressor (or combination of vasoactive drugs) must be based on the patient's needs, drug properties, and best evidence. In this lecture participants will learn to "treat the patient, not the monitor."

Learning Objectives:

1. Describe the clinical properties of three commonly used vasopressors;

2. Describe at least one clinical strategy for the use of vasopressors and inotropes in septic shock;

3. Describe at least one clinical strategy for the use of vasopressors and inotropes in cardiogenic shock.

References:

Rodriguez, R., Cucci, M., Kane, S., Fernandez, E., & Benken, S. (2018). Novel Vasopressors in the Treatment of Vasodilatory Shock: A Systematic Review of Angiotensin II, Selepressin, and Terlipressin. Journal of Intensive Care Medicine. https://doi.org/10.1177/0885066618818460