The University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine has unveiled a research-based guide to improve compliance when treating septic shock, a common and deadly syndrome.
To aid hospitals attempting to implement the National Quality Forum Severe Sepsis and Septic Shock Management Bundle, Pitt researchers created a concise clinical diagnosis and treatment algorithm that incorporates the results of several high-profile clinical trials.
"The sepsis problem is clear, but the solution for patients remains elusive," said lead author Christopher W. Seymour, MD, assistant professor in Pitt's departments of critical care and emergency medicine. "This new algorithm provides doctors and hospitals with a best-practice approach to assessing and treating septic shock patients as supported by the most recent evidence."
According to the guide, which can be viewed here, healthcare workers should follow these five steps to treat septic shock:
1. Identify signs of shock (including low urine output, confusion and cool, clammy skin)
2. Administer antibiotics, intravenous fluids and blood tests to determine condition severity
3. Focus ultrasound and catheter placement to measure blood pressure and provide fluids
4. Provide vasoactive medications to improve blood pressure
5. Repeat patient assessments every four to six hours in intensive care
Although Pitt researchers not that rigorous, one-size-fits-all septic shock protocols are not superior to good clinical patient assessments, the guide highlights that prompt clinical diagnosis is crucial, and the first step in treatment is quickly addressing the infection.