Important aspects of modern treatment of septic shock

In any medical specialty, there are a number of pathological conditions that doctors fear the most. Such conditions are called urgent or life-threatening, and require immediate therapeutic measures. One of such conditions in urological practice is septic shock – dangerous damage to the body by a massive amount of bacteria and their endotoxins. In this article, estet-portal.com talks in detail about informative diagnostic methods and modern features of the treatment of septic shock.

Effective treatments for septic shock

Septic shock in urology in most cases is the result of diagnostic or therapeutic invasive manipulations on the organs of the urinary system. In some cases, infectious and inflammatory diseases of the urinary organs can also lead to the development of this condition. The clinical picture of the disease is quite specific, the condition of such patients is rapidly deteriorating, and it is necessary to start therapeutic measures as soon as possible. Effective treatment of septic shock involves, first of all, antibiotic therapy. 

Septic shock treatment:

• laboratory methods for diagnosing septic shock;
• antibacterial therapy for the treatment of septic shock;
• Additional components of septic shock treatment.

Laboratory methods for diagnosing septic shock

Diagnosis of septic shock is based on laboratory tests. In this condition, the following changes are observed in the patient's blood:

• high leukocytosis with a shift of the leukocyte formula to the left;
• increased hematocrit;
• increase in the level of red blood cells and hemoglobin in the blood;
• thrombocytopenia;
• hyperasotemia, hypercreatinemia, hypokalemia;
• metabolic acidosis;
• reduced blood clotting;
• reduction of circulating blood volume;
• increased blood urea level.

An early manifestation of septic shock is a decrease in diuresis to 25-30 ml. in one hour, until the development of anuria. An important role in the diagnosis of this condition is played by an urgent bacteriological examination, which helps to identify the causative agents of the disease and select the appropriate antibiotic therapy regimen.

Antibacterial therapy for the treatment of septic shock

Antibacterial therapy is the mainstay of treatment for septic shock. It is important to remember that the indiscriminate use of broad-spectrum antibiotics can lead to the development of resistant strains, which is why it is so important to identify the pathogen and establish its sensitivity to antibacterial drugs. It is important to take into account not only the spectrum of action of an antibacterial drug, but also its ability to release the least amount of endotoxin, since this factor can largely affect the patient's condition. Manifestations of azotemia and oliguria in septic shock require a reduction in the dose of antibiotics and transfer of the patient to monoantibiotic therapy. For the purpose of monotherapy, third-generation cephalosporins and carbopenems are prescribed.

Additional components of septic shock treatment

Treatment of septic shock should include, in addition to antibiotic therapy, a set of measures aimed at improving the immunobiological properties of the body and activating the activity of the reticuloendothelial system. The complex of treatment necessarily includes corticosteroids, adrenomimetic agents, plasma-substituting solutions. After the normalization of blood pressure, the dose of corticosteroids is gradually reduced until the complete cessation of their introduction. They also perform infusion therapy aimed at combating intoxication, protein and electrolyte imbalances, and so on. The prognosis for septic shock is favorable if the use of the necessary drugs is started in the early stages of the disease.