Myocardial dysfunction in sepsis

Abstract

Septic shock is a major cause of mortality in children. Myocardial dysfunction in severe sepsis and septic shock is well recognized but its pathogenesis could be multifactorial. As a result of complex interplay of various factors, hemodynamic changes observed in pediatric age group may be different from those observed in adult. Sepsis induced myocardial dysfunction (SIMD) is a known consequence of severe sepsis and septic shock. Although there is no universally accepted definition of this entity, it can be best defined as reversible intrinsic myocardial systolic and diastolic dysfunction of both the left and right sides of the heart induced by sepsis. In this review we discuss the pathogenesis, pathophysiology of clinical manifestations, diagnosis and management of SIMD in children.

Keywords

• sepsis induced myocardial dysfunction (simd)
• severe sepsis
• septic shock