Background: Sepsis, a leading cause of US deaths, is associated with high mortality, although advances in early recognition and treatment have increased survivorship. Many aspects of sepsis pathophysiology and epidemiology have not been fully elucidated; the heterogeneous nature of infections that lead to sepsis has made fully characterizing the underlying epidemiology challenging. Methods: The University HealthSystem Consortium (UHC) from 2011-2014 and the Cerner HealthFacts® database from 2008-2014 were used. We examined associations between infection source and in-hospital mortality in the UHC dataset, stratified by age and presenting sepsis stage. We examined recent temporal trends in present-on-admission (POA) sepsis diagnoses and mortality and predictors of 30-day sepsis readmissions following sepsis hospitalizations using the HealthFacts® dataset. Results: Patients with sepsis due to genitourinary or skin, soft tissue, or bone sources had lower mortality than patients with sepsis due to respiratory sources regardless of age or presenting sepsis stage. Overall diagnoses of sepsis increased from 2008-2014; however, POA diagnoses and case fatality rates decreased. Factors that predicted re-hospitalization for sepsis included discharge to hospice, admission from or discharge to a skilled nursing facility, and abdominal infection. Conclusion: Further investigation will reveal more detail to explain the impact of infection source on in-hospital sepsis mortality for all age groups and sepsis stages. Decreasing mortality rates for all POA sepsis stages and all age groups suggest current approaches to sepsis management are having broad impact. Sepsis survivors are at significant risk for re-hospitalization; further studies are needed to understand the post discharge risks and needs of survivors.

Résumé : Le sepsis sévère et le choc septique réfractaire sont d’incidences grandissantes dans la population et restent actuellement un défi de taille avec une mortalité variant de 30 à 70 % à 28 jours malgré l’amélioration du traitement de support. Les corticostéroïdes (CS) sont un traitement d’appoint controversé dans le sepsis sévère et le choc septique réfractaire. Ils modulent entre autre les fonctions des neutrophiles ou polymorphonuclear neutrophils cells (PMN) qui sont des acteurs de 1ère ligne dans la défense immédiate contre le sepsis et les défaillances organiques associées. Résultats : Le sepsis a pour effet de diminuer l’activité phagocytaire, ainsi que la production de radicaux libres oxygénés (ROS) des PMN au jour 1 (J1) et jour 3 (J3). Il augmente l’adhésion qui s’intensifie avec la sévérité de la maladie et persiste jusqu’à J3. Au niveau de la dégranulation, le sepsis augmente la production et la libération de la pentraxine 3 (PTX3). Le sepsis affecte le profil phénotypique des PMN en augmentant l’expression de CD66b et ST2 à J1 et J3. Il accentue également l’expression de CD64. Dans le groupe 2 (G2), ce niveau d’expression diminue à J3. Aucun effet significatif sur le chimiotactisme n’a été observé à J1, ni J3. L’usage de CS in vitro retarde l’apoptose à J1 et J3 dans le groupe 1 (G1), mais ne démontre aucune amélioration significative des fonctions des PMN ou au niveau de leur profil phénotypique. Conclusion : Le sepsis entraîne une immunoparalysie des PMN au niveau de leur migration et des fonctions effectrices. Non seulement cette paralysie augmente avec la sévérité de la maladie, mais elle persiste également après 3 jours suivant l’admission. De faibles doses de CS in vitro et in vivo dans le traitement du choc septique n’ont pas d’effet déterminant sur les PMN dans l’amélioration du pronostic des patients. Davantage de recherches seront nécessaires afin d’approfondir notre compréhension de l’impact d’un traitement aux CS sur les fonctions neutrophiliques dans un contexte septique. Ces derniers permettraient non seulement de mieux cibler leur utilisation dans le but d’arriver à un rapport bénéfique/risque avantageux dans le choc septique, mais aussi pour d’autres maladies inflammatoires. / Abstract : With the increasing rates of severe sepsis and refractory septic shock, there is still a challenge in mortality rates between 30 and 70 % at 28 days despite improved supportive care. Corticosteroids (CS) are a controversial supportive treatment in severe sepsis and refractory septic shock. They modulate the functions of PMN that are players in first line of immediate defence against the sepsis and associated to multiorgan failures. Results : Sepsis leads to a reduced phagocytic activity and ROS production at day 1 (D1) and day 3 (D3). It enhances the adhesion which increases with the severity of sepsis and persists until D3. In terms of degranulation, the sepsis increases the production and release of PTX3. Sepsis affects the phenotypic profile of PMN that increases the expressions of CD66b and ST2 at D1 and D3. It increases the CD64 expression but decreased at D3 in G2. No significant effect on chemotaxis was observed in D1, neither in D3. In G1, use of CS in vitro further delays apoptosis at D1 and D3, but is not showing any improvement in functions of PMN or in phenotypic profile. Conclusions : Sepsis induces an immune paralysis of PMN in their migration and effectives functions. Not only this paralysis increases with the severity of the sepsis, but it also persists after 3 days following the admission. Low doses of CS in vitro and in vivo in the treatment of septic shock have not determinant effect on PMN in improvement of the outcome of patients. More research is needed to learn more about the impacts of CS treatment on PMN functions in sepsis. This would contribute not only to ensure a better target ing of their use in order to achieve an advantageous benefits/risks ratio in septic shock, but also for others inflammatory diseases.

Bacterial infections are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in both the community and nosocomial settings, particularly among the elderly and chronically ill. Sepsis is the body’s response to antigens and toxins released by the invasive pathogenic organisms that cause infection. When infection is not effectively controlled, sepsis may develop and progress to severe sepsis and septic shock. Early diagnosis and treatment is pivotal for survival in severe sepsis and particularly, septic shock. Our research focuses on developing a novel treatment strategy for septic shock by using single, ultra-high doses of aminoglycosides. In this project, the effect of a single, ultra-high dose of gentamicin in clearing bacteria from the blood and reducing the bacterial burden in vital organs was evaluated in a rat model of E. coli (Bort strain) induced peritonitis with severe sepsis/septic shock. Serum cytokine levels and serum lactate levels were serially measured. Further, the potential adverse effects of ultra-high dosing of aminoglycoside antibiotics in a short-term (9 h) invasive study and long term (180 days) non-invasive study were assessed. Neuromuscular paralyses due to ultra-high doses of aminoglycosides were assessed. In addition, renal injury markers such as serum creatinine and urinary Neutrophil Gelatinase Associated Lipocalin (NGAL) were assayed. The auditory and vestibular function was also assessed after ultra-high dosing of aminoglycoside in the long-term study. We conclude that animals can tolerate ultra-high doses of aminoglycosides with appropriate support. Animals were under neuromuscular paralysis for 28 – 50 minutes and were on ventilator support after single ultra-high doses (80 and 160 mg/kg) of aminoglycoside antibiotics (gentamicin and tobramycin). There was no significant acute or delayed renal or ototoxicity associated with the single, ultra-high dose aminoglycoside therapy. Histology studies of the kidneys and the cochlea of single, ultra-high aminoglycoside dosed animals and untreated control animals were performed after 180 days (6 months). Results indicated that there were no morphological differences between the treated and untreated control animals. Terminal deoxy-nucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay of kidney tissue indicated that there was no apoptosis of endothelial cells in the tubular and glomerular regions with single, ultra- high dose of aminoglycosides consistent with an absence of ultrahigh dose induced nephrotoxicity. In the septic shock model, the E. coli Bort was below the limit of detection from the blood of the animals within minutes after single, ultra-high dose aminoglycoside administration. After necropsy, bacterial load was determined from all the vital organs and peritoneal fluid (site of infection). The bacterial levels were below the detection limit from the kidneys and there was a significant reduction in bacterial counts from all the remaining organs compared to the infected control animals. A decrease in serum cytokine and serum lactate levels compared to baseline was observed after ultra-high doses of aminoglycosides in the septic shock animals. Our studies have indicated that the ultra-high dose gentamicin is well tolerated by rats. It is highly effective in clearing E. coli Bort from the blood and reducing the bacterial burden in the organs in an experimental model of bacterial peritonitis/septic shock. Further studies in larger animals such as rabbits, sheep, pigs or dogs are required to confirm these results. If these findings are replicated in larger animals, this therapy may be developed further from ‘lab to bedside’ to treat septic shock patients in intensive care units (ICUs). / October 2015

Introdução: Este estudo foi desenhado para avaliar o impacto da reposição de fluidos na aeração pulmonar, oxigenação e hemodinâmica pacientes com diagnóstico de choque séptico e síndrome do desconforto respiratório agudo (SDRA). Métodos: Durante o período de 1 ano, um estudo prospectivo observacional foi realizado com 32 pacientes com diagnóstico de choque séptico e SDRA. Os parâmetros cardiorrespiratórios foram mensurados utilizando um cateter de Swan-Ganz (n = 29) ou um cateter de PICCO (n = 3). A aeração pulmonar e o fluxo sanguíneo regional pulmonar foram avaliados pelo exame de ultrassom pulmonar à beira-leito. As medidas foram realizadas antes (T0), ao final (T1) e 40 minutos após (T2) a infusão de fluidos, consistindo em um litro de solução salina administrado em 30 minutos nas primeiras 48 horas do início do choque séptico e SDRA. Resultados: O escore de ultrassom pulmonar aumentou em 23% em T2, de 13 no tempo basal a 16 (p < 0,001). O índice cardíaco e as pressões de enchimento cardíaco aumentaram significativamente em T1 (p < 0,001) e retornaram aos valores de base em T2. O aumento no escore de ultrassom pulmonar secundário à infusão de fluidos foi estatisticamente correlacionado com o aumento do índice cardíaco e não foi associado ao aumento do \"shunt\" pulmonar ou ao aumento do fluxo sanguíneo regional pulmonar. Em T1, PaO2/FiO2 aumentou significativamente (p < 0,005) de 144 (123 - 198) a 165 (128 - 226) e retornou aos valores de base em T2, e o escore de ultrassom pulmonar continuou a aumentar. Conclusão: A reposição de fluidos precoce melhora transitoriamente a hemodinâmica e deteriora a aeração pulmonar. As mudanças na aeração podem ser observadas à beiraleito com o auxílio do ultrassom pulmonar e podem ser úteis como medida protetora contra a reposição excessiva de fluidos / Introduction: The study was designed to assess the impact of fluid loading on lung aeration, oxygenation and hemodynamics in patients with septic shock and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Methods: During a 1-year period, a prospective observational study was performed in 32 patients with septic shock and ARDS. Cardiorespiratory parameters were measured using Swan Ganz (n=29) or PiCCO catheters (n=3). Lung aeration and regional pulmonary blood flows were measured using bedside transthoracic ultrasound. Measurements were performed before (T0), at the end of volume expansion (T1) and 40 minutes later (T2), consisting of 1-L of saline over 30 minutes during the first 48h following onset of septic shock and ARDS. Results: Lung ultrasound score increased by 23 % at T2, from 13 at baseline to 16 (p < 0.001). Cardiac index and cardiac filling pressures increased significantly at T1 (p < 0.001) and returned to control values at T2. The increase in lung ultrasound score was statistically correlated with fluid loading-induced increase in cardiac index and was not associated with increase in pulmonary shunt or regional pulmonary blood flow. At T1, PaO2/FiO2 significantly increased (p < 0.005) from 144 (123 to 198) to 165 (128 to 226) and returned to control values at T2 whereas lung ultrasound score continued to increase. Conclusions: Early fluid loading transitorily improves hemodynamics and oxygenation and worsens lung aeration. Aeration changes can be detected at the bedside by transthoracic lung ultrasound which may serve as a safeguard against excessive fluid loading

INTRODUÇÃO: Sepse e choque séptico são doenças comuns em pacientes gravemente enfermos, evoluindo muitas vezes com síndrome de disfunção de múltiplos órgãos (SDMO) e morte. Este trabalho investiga a eficácia da administração precoce de dexametasona em evitar a progressão do choque séptico para SDMO e morte e o comportamento da proteína amilóide A sérica (SAA) e da proteína C-reativa (PCR) como marcadores da evolução e gravidade dos pacientes em choque séptico no período pós-operatório. MÉTODOS: Estudo prospectivo, aleatório, duplamente encoberto, realizado na Unidade de Terapia Intensiva pós-operatória do Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, com 29 pacientes que no período pós-operatório evoluíram com choque séptico. Os participantes foram divididos de forma aleatória em dois grupos, de acordo com a solução administrada: dexametasona 0,2 mg/kg (grupo D) ou placebo (grupo P), repetidas a cada 36 horas. Os pacientes foram acompanhados durante sete dias de internação na UTI através do escore SOFA (Sequential Organ Failure Assessment) e dosagens séricas diárias de PCR, SAA e lactato. RESULTADOS: Os pacientes do grupo D, quando comparados aos pacientes do grupo P, permaneceram mais dias sem necessidade do uso do vasopressor (respectivamente 2,9±2,7 e 0,7±0,6, p=0,01) e mais tempo livre de ventilação mecânica (respectivamente 2,6±2,5 e 0,6±0,5, p=0,03). A mortalidade no grupo P foi de 67% (10 em 15) e no grupo D foi de 21% (3 em 14) (Risco Relativo=0,31, IC95% 0,11-0,88). Os valores de PCR e SAA apresentaram forte correlação durante o período de observação (R=0,91/p=0,002). PCR e SAA não tiveram correlação com o escore SOFA (respectivamente R=0,71/p=0,05 e R=0,52/p=0,18), nem com o lactato (p=0,88 e p=0,67). CONCLUSÕES: O tratamento precoce com dexametasona nos pacientes com choque séptico reduziu a mortalidade em 7 dias de acompanhamento. Os níveis séricos de PCR e SAA apresentaram-se elevados nos pacientes em choque séptico e tiveram forte correlação, porém não foram preditores de disfunção orgânica nem de mortalidade. / INTRODUCTION: Sepsis and septic shock are a very common condition in critically ill patients, leading to multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) and death. This study aimed at investigating the efficacy of early administration of dexamethasone in patients with septic shock in order to block the evolution to MODS and death. It also evaluated serum amyloid A protein (SAA) and C-reactive protein (CRP) as evolution and organ dysfunction markers in postoperative septic shock patients. METHODS: Prospective, randomized, double-blind study, developed in a surgical intensive care unit of Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo that involved 29 patients with septic shock. All eligible patients were prospectively randomized to receive either a dose of 0.2 mg/kg of dexamethasone (group D) or placebo (group P), repeated every 36 hours intervals. Patients were monitored over a 7- day period by Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score (SOFA) and daily measurements of CRP, SAA and lactate. RESULTS: Patients treated with dexamethasone had more vasopressor therapy-free days (2.9±2.7 versus 0.7±0.6, p=0.01) and more mechanical ventilation-free days (2.6±2.5 e 0.6±0.5, p=0.03). Mortality in group P was 67% (10 in 15) and in group D was 21% (3 in 14) (Relative Risk=0.31, 95%CI 0.11 to 0.88). CRP and SAA were strongly correlated during the 7 day period of observation (R=0.91/p=0.002). CRP and SAA did not correlate with SOFA (respectively R=0.71/p=0.05 and R=0.52/p=0.18) and lactate (p=0.88 and p=0.67). CONCLUSIONS: Early treatment with dexamethasone reduced 7-day mortality in septic shock patients. CRP and SAA levels were significantly elevated in septic shock and were strongly correlated to each other, but did neither correlate with organ dysfunction nor predict mortality.

A instabilidade hemodinâmica que é verificada no choque séptico tem como componente a redução da perfusão dos tecidos, que conhecidamente agrava a sua morbi-mortalidade. Sabendo-se disso, a escolha precoce e correta da terapia a ser instituída, incluindo o tipo e o tempo de administração de fluidos, é importante para que se aumente a taxa de sobrevivência desses pacientes. Deste modo, este experimento foi delineado para melhor compreender macro e micro hemodinamicamente esta síndrome, com o intuito de verificar os efeitos do tratamento precoce com a solução hipertônica-isoncótica e pentoxifilina em suínos em choque séptico experimental. Para tanto, avaliou-se os efeitos da solução hipertônica-isoncótica (Hyperhaes®) frente a sua associação ou não à pentoxifilina, em comparação ao cristalóide Ringer lactato. Foram utilizados 29 suínos machos e fêmeas com 29 kg em média. O choque séptico foi induzido por solução intravascular (0,6 x 1010 ufc/kg) da cepa O55 enteropatogênica de Escherichia coli, administrada durante 60 minutos. Os animais foram observados sem intervenção por 30 minutos e o tratamento foi escolhido randomicamente: grupo Ringer lactato (32ml/kg em 20 minutos, n=9); solução hipertônica-isoncótica (4 ml/kg em 5 minutos, n=7); solução hipertônica-isoncótica com pentoxifilina (4ml/kg e 25mg/kg, respectivamente, em 5 minutos, n=8) e grupo Controle (sem tratamento, n=5). Os animais receberam solução fisiológica 0,9% como fluidoterapia de manutenção (10 ml/kg/hora) sem qualquer outra intervenção além dos tratamentos estipulados em cada grupo, ao longo do período de avaliação. Foi realizada avaliação hemodinâmica bem como da ventilação e oxigenação. Nos tempos 120 e 150 minutos observou-se a saturação venosa mista de oxigênio dos animais e no caso desta se encontrar abaixo de 70% fez-se novo fluido de resgate (grupos HS e HSPTX receberam 32 ml/kg de solução fisiológica 0,9% em 20 minutos e grupo RL, 32 ml/kg de Ringer Lactato, também em 20 min.). Amostras de tecido para exame histopatológico foram colhidas do coração, pulmão, jejuno, cólon, fígado e rins, e mantidos em solução 10% de formol tamponado. A inoculação de E. coli resultou em estado rápido e progressivo de deterioração hemodinâmica dos animais, com a presença de hipertensão pulmonar e sua conseqüente disfunção cardíaca (baixo débito cardíaco e fração de ejeção). Houve, em todos os grupos, a redução progressiva da pressão arterial média e sua estabilização em valores próximos a 50 mmHg aos 90 minutos, com a pressão arterial média pulmonar seguindo esta mesma tendência. Já em relação ao índice de resistência vascular sistêmica, ao longo do tempo, observou-se uma diminuição significativa entre os grupos Controle e HSPTX (p < 0,01) e entre os grupos Controle e RL (p < 0,05), com os valores do grupo Controle ficando acima dos demais. Quanto ao índice de fluxo portal houve diferença significativa entre os grupos HS e RL ao longo do tempo (p 0,05) (decréscimo de 2,08 ml/min. do grupo HS em relação ao grupo RL). Já entre os grupos RL e HSPTX verificou-se uma diferença significativa (p < 0,001) de comportamento ao longo do tempo em relação aos valores de lactato, com o grupo HSPTX sofrendo aumento de 0,02 mmol/dl/min. em relação ao grupo RL. Os grupos HS e HSPTX mostraram redução dos valores do gradiente veno-arterial de CO2 em relação aos grupos Controle e RL (-0,08 a -0,05 mmHg/min.), mas houve, em contrapartida, um acréscimo dos valores do gradiente jejuno-arterial de CO2 dos grupos HS e HSPTX em relação ao RL (0,01 e 0,04 mmHg/min., respectivamente). A saturação venosa mista de oxigênio sofreu redução em seus valores durante a infusão de bactérias em todos os grupos e após a instituição dos tratamentos apresentou melhora em seus níveis apenas nos grupos HS e HSPTX, ficando acima de 70%, porém sem diferença estatística quando comparados aos grupos RL e Controle. Com isso, as soluções de HS e HSPTX provaram serem opções para a terapia alvo-dirigida na fase inicial da sepse experimental em suínos, embora haja a necessidade de maior investigação sobre a origem dos altos níveis de lactato encontrados no grupo HSPTX / The septic shock hemodynamic instability has as major component the reduction of tissue perfusion, which is known to aggravate morbidity and mortality. Knowing this, the early and correct choice of therapy to be instituted, including the type and time of fluid inoculation is an important step to help increase the survival rate of these patients. Thus, this experiment was designed to better understand the macro and micro-hemodynamic events of this syndrome, in order to verify the perfusion effects of early treatment with hypertonic-isoncotic saline solution and pentoxiphylline in septic shocked pigs. We studied the effects of hypertonic-isoncotic saline solution (Hyperhaes ®) compared to its association or not to pentoxiphylline, and compared to crystalloid Ringer lactate. We used 29 male and female pigs of 29kg on average. Septic shock was induced by an intravascular solution (0.6 x 1010 cfu/kg) of an enteropathogenic strain (O55) of Escherichia coli for 60 minutes. The animals were observed without intervention for 30 minutes and treatment was chosen randomly: group Ringer lactate (32ml/kg in 20 minutes, n = 9); hypertonic-isoncotic saline solution (4 ml/kg in 5 minutes, n = 7); hypertonic-isoncotic saline solution with pentoxiphylline (4ml/kg and 25mg/kg, respectively, in 5 minutes, n = 8) and Control group (no treatment, n = 5). The animals received maintenance fluid (10 ml/kg/hour 0.9% saline solution) without any other intervention than the treatments of each group during the evaluation period. Hemodynamic, ventilation and oxygenation assessments were performed. The mixed venous oxygen saturation was observed at 120 and 150 minutes and when it was below 70% a new fluid therapy was given (HSPTX and HS groups received 32 ml/kg of saline solution 0.9% in 20 minutes and RL group 32 ml/kg Ringer\'s lactate also in 20 min.). Tissue samples of the heart, lungs, jejunum, colon, liver and kidneys were collected for histopathological examination and kept in 10% buffered formaldehyde. Inoculation of E. coli resulted in a state of rapid and progressive hemodynamic deterioration with pulmonary hypertension and its consequent cardiac dysfunction (low cardiac output and ejection fraction). There was, in all groups, a progressive reduction of mean arterial pressure that stabilized close to 50 mmHg at 90 minutes, with the mean pulmonary arterial pressure following the same trend. In relation to systemic vascular resistance index, over time, there was a significant differentiation between HSPTX and Control groups (p 0.01) and Control and RL groups (p 0.05), with the Control group values above the others. In the rate of portal blood flow there was significant difference between HS and RL groups over time (p 0.05) (decline of 2.08 ml/min. by HS group when compared to RL group). HSPTX and RL groups showed a significant behavior difference (p < 0.001) over time in their lactate levels, with the group HSPTX increasing their values 0.02 mmol/dl/min in relation to the RL group. Both HSPTX and HS groups dropped the veno-arterial gradient of CO2 in relation to the RL and Control groups (-0.08 to -0.05 mmHg / min.). However, there was an increase in the jejunum-arterial gradient of CO2 values on HSPTX and HS groups compared to RL (0.01 and 0.04 mmHg / min., respectively). The mixed venous oxygen saturation had a decreasing in its values during the bacteria infusion in all groups, but only the HS and HSPTX groups, after treatment, showed improvement in their levels (above 70%), nevertheless, there was no statistical difference among groups. HS and HSPTX solutions proved to be options for targeted therapies in the early phase of sepsis in pigs, although exist the need of more research to find out the origin of high lactate levels in the HSPTX group

Der septische Schock geht bis heute mit einer hohen Mortalität einher und stellt für die Intensivmedizin ein schwer beherrschbares Krankheitsbild dar. Er ist die häufigste Todesursache auf nicht kardiologischen Intensivstationen und es wird davon ausgegangen, dass der Anteil septischer Patienten relativ wie absolut zunehmen wird. Das Ziel der vorliegenden Arbeit war, den Einfluss von Hydrokortison auf die Schockdauer und die Wirkung von Hydrokortison in Abhängigkeit der Nebennierenrindenfunktion sowie den Einfluss auf die Morbidität, gemessen am SOFA-Score zu untersuchen. Es wurden 41 Patienten mit frühem septischem Schock in eine doppelblinde, placebokontrollierte, randomisierte Studie eingeschlossen. Zur Beurteilung der Nebennierenfunktion wurde vor Beginn der Studie ein ACTH-Test durchgeführt und je nach Anstieg wurden die Patienten in „Non-Responder“ und „Responder“ unterteilt. Es zeigte sich, dass Hydrokortison zu einer signifikanten Verkürzung der Schockdauer führte. Die Frage nach dem unterschiedlichen Effekt von Hydrokortison bei „Respondern“ und „Non-Respondern“ konnte nicht abschließend geklärt werden; es zeigte sich bei den „Respondern“ und „Non-Respondern“, die Hydrokortison erhalten hatten, ein Trend zu einer kürzeren Schockdauer, der aber keine statistische Signifikanz erreichte, vermutlich weil die Gruppengröße durch die Aufteilung zu klein wurde. Die vorliegenden Ergebnisse sind insofern mit anderen Studien kongruent, bedürfen aber noch der weiteren Abklärung in Studien mit größeren Patientenkollektiven. Der SOFA-Score war unter Hydrokortison in den ersten 48 Stunden signifikant reduziert. In anderen Studien war dies mit einer geringeren Mortalität assoziiert. Die Behandlung mit Hydrokortison reduziert also die Schockdauer und stellt eine wichtige Therapierationale zur Vorbeugung des sepsis-induzierten Organversagens dar. / Up to the present day septic shock is often accompanied with high mortality. For the medical intensive care field it is a hardly controllable disease pattern. Septic shock is the most frequent cause of death at non-cardiological intensive care units. It is believed that the number of septic patients will increase relatively as well as absolutely. The aim of this paper was to examine the influence of hydrocortisone on shock duration, the effect of hydrocortisone dependent on the adrenal function and the influence on morbidity, measured with SOFA score. 41 patients with early septic shock participated in a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomised study. In the beginning of the study an ACTH-test was conducted in order to assess the adrenal function. Dependent on the increase of ACTH, the patients were classified into "non-responder" and "responder". It became apparent that hydrocortisone leads to a significant reduction of shock duration. The question about the different effect of hydrocortisone on “responder“ and “non-responder“ could not cleared up conclusively. “Responder“ and „non-responder“ who received hydrocortisone showed a trend towards shorter shock duration. There was, however, no statistic significance, probably because the groups became too small because of the division. The present results are insofar congruent with other studies, but they need further clarification through studies with bigger patient groups. For those using hydrocortisone the SOFA score was significantly reduced during the first 48 hours. In other studies this fact was associated with less mortality. The treatment with hydrocortisone therefore reduces the shock duration and is an important therapy rationale for the prevention of septic induced multi-organ failure.

Le choc septique est associé non seulement à une réponse immunitaire excessive et inappropriée contre l'infection, mais aussi à une augmentation de l'activité nerveuse sympathique, à une augmentation des catécholamines circulantes et à un dysfonctionnement autonome. Le blocage de la bêta 1-adrénergique a montré une protection cardiovasculaire et une amélioration de la survie pendant le choc septique dans les études expérimentales et cliniques, ce qui semble être dû à ses effets anti-inflammatoires. Cependant, les effets de la réduction du rythme cardiaque (HRR) d'un bloqueur des adrénorécepteurs bêta 1 sur la fonction cardiovasculaire et les voies inflammatoires restent peu clairs. En utilisant un médicament pur de réduction du rythme cardiaque, Ivabradine, dans un modèle de choc septique polymicrobien induit par CLP, nous avons constaté que la réduction de la fréquence cardiaque : 1) n'était associé à aucune amélioration des fonctions cardiaques ou vasculaires; 2) n'avait aucun impact sur les niveaux circulants de TNF-a, IL-6 ou IL-10; 3) n'a eu aucune influence sur l'expression d'iNOS et NF-κB cardiovasculaires, les rapports P-akt / akt et P-eNOS / eNOS et la dégradation d'IκBα dans ce contexte aigu. En utilisant un bloqueur bêta 1-adrénergique, Esmolol, dans un modèle de choc septique polymicrobien induit par CLP, nous avons constaté que de faibles doses d'Esmolol, ne diminuant pas la fréquence cardiaque 1) a aussi amélioré la fonction cardiaque évaluée par échocardiographie et la vasoréactivité évaluée par myographie ; 2) les bénéfices ont été associés avec la modulation des voies inflammatoire au niveau systémique et tissulaire. Ces résultats ouvrent de nouvelles perspectives dans le traitement clinique du choc septique avec des bloqueurs adrénergiques bêta 1. / Septic shock is associated with not only an excessive and an inappropriate immune response against infection, but also with increased sympathetic nerve activity, elevated circulating catecholamines and autonomic dysfunction. Beta 1-adrenergic blockade has shown to provide cardiovascular protection and survival improvement during septic shock in experimental and clinical studies, which seems due to its anti-inflammatory effects. However, the effects of heart rate reduction (HRR) of a beta 1-adrenoreceptor blocker on cardiovascular function and inflammatory pathways remain unclear. By using a pure heart rate-lowering drug, Ivabradine, in a polymicrobial septic shock model induced by CLP, we found isolated heart rate reduction 1) was not associated with any improvement in cardiac or vascular functions; 2) has no impact on circulating levels of TNF-a, IL-6 or IL-10; 3) had no influence in cardiovascular iNOS and NF-κB expression, P-akt/akt and P-eNOS/eNOS ratio and IκBα degradations in this acute setting. By using a beta 1-adrenergic blocker, Esmolol, in a polymicrobial septic shock model induced by CLP, we found that a low dose of Esmolol, which didn’t induce HRR, also 1) improved cardiac function evaluated by echocardiography and vasoreactivity tested by myograph; 2) beneficial effects were associated with the modulation of inflammatory pathways at both the systemic and the tissue levels. These results open up new perspectives in clinical treatment of septic shock with beta 1 adrenergic blockers

O presente estudo tem por objetivo principal avaliar as alterações funcionais precoces de mitocôndrias hepáticas de ratos wistar submetidos ao estímulo de sepse através da técnica de ligadura cecal e punção (cecal ligation and puncture-CLP) e indução de tolerância ao lipopolissacarídeo (LPS) de Escherichia coli. As mitocôndrias exercem papel na alteração do metabolismo celular de pacientes sépticos. Os objetivos do presente trabalho foram: (1) padronizar a técnica de indução a tolerância para ratos wistar com LPS de E. coli (2) avaliar a função mitocondrial fosforilativa e oxidativa; (3) quantificar DNA mitocondrial em tecido hepático de animais submetidos à CPL e tolerância; (4) verificar a expressão dos genes responsáveis pela biogênese mitocondrial e replicação do DNA mitocondrial: nuclear respiratory factor (NRF-1), mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM) e peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha (PGC-1alfa); (5) avaliar a função dos complexos respiratórios I e IV. Os resultados encontrados no presente estudo revelaram que: (a) a taxa de mortalidade dos animais submetidos a tolerância foi de 10% quando submetidos à dose letal de LPS, enquanto a taxa de mortalidade dos animais controle foi de 100% quando submetidos à dose letal de LPS; (b) observou-se que o grupo do controle respiratório que recebeu doses controladas de LPS e foi submetido à CLP apresentou razão igual ao grupo Controle, sugerindo que a fosforilação oxidativa se manteve igual ao basal, enquanto o grupo que foi submetido ao procedimento de CLP sem indução a tolerância apresentou piora da razão do controle respiratório em relação ao grupo controle; (c) a quantificação de DNA mitocondrial mostrou-se maior nos animais submetidos a CLP sem prévia indução a tolerância, com igual aumento da expressão dos fatores de biogênese mitocondrial em relação aos demais grupos; (d) houve diferença significativa na avaliação da funcionalidade dos complexo I, porém o complexo IV se manteve igual em todos os grupos. Concluiu-se que a indução a tolerância altera positivamente a função mitocondrial em animais submetidos à CLP / The aim of this study was to evaluate the early functional alterations of hepatic mitochondria of wistar rats submitted to the stimulation of sepsis through the technique of cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) and induction of tolerance to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) of Escherichia coli. Mitochondria play a role in altering the cellular metabolism of septic patients. The objectives of the present study were: (1) to standardize the tolerance induction technique for wistar rats with E. coli LPS (2) to evaluate the mitochondrial phosphorylation and oxidative function; (3) quantify mitochondrial DNA in hepatic tissue of animals submitted to CPL and tolerance; (4) to verify the expression of genes responsible for mitochondria biogenesis and mitochondrial DNA replication nuclear mitochondrial biogenesis (NRF-1), mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha (PGC-1alpha); (5) to evaluate the function of respiratory complexes I and IV. The results found in the present study revealed that: (a) the mortality rate of the animals submitted to tolerance was 10% when submitted to the lethal dose of LPS, whereas the mortality rate of the control animals was 100% when submitted to the lethal dose of LPS; (B) it was observed that the group receiving controlled doses of LPS and submitted to CLP presented a ratio equal to the control group, suggesting that oxidative phosphorylation remained the same at baseline, whereas the group that underwent CLP procedure without induction of tolerance presented worsening of the respiratory control ratio in relation to the control group; (C) the mitochondrial DNA quantification was higher in the animals submitted to CLP without prior tolerance induction, with an equal increase in mitochondrial biogenesis factors expression in relation to the other groups; (D) there was significant difference in the evaluation of the functionality of complexes I, but no difference in complex IV in all groups. It was concluded that induction of tolerance positively alters mitochondrial function in animals submitted to CLP

O choque séptico é uma síndrome inflamatória sistêmica secundária a um processo infeccioso, no qual as disfunções das células endoteliais e do músculo liso vascular contribuem para suprimento sanguíneo insuficiente a órgãos vitais, com consequente hipotensão sistêmica, insuficiência múltipla de órgãos e morte. Em geral, nos pacientes com choque séptico, existe um desequilíbrio dos fatores hemodinâmicos, levando ao baixo débito cardíaco e vasodilatação, além da redução da resposta contrátil aos diferentes agonistas, nos quais a participação do óxido nítrico (NO), de NO-sintases (NOS) e do estresse oxidativo são evidentes. A contribuição do sistema de peptídeos natriuréticos é evidenciada nos pacientes e em animais submetidos à sepse severa ou ao choque séptico. O peptídeo natriurético tipo C (CNP) é um agente vasodilatador que leva ao relaxamento vascular pela produção de GMPc intracelular, NO, hiperpolarização de membrana das células do músculo liso vascular e redução da concentração citosólica de cálcio. O tratamento com antagonista de receptores NPR-A/B tornou os animais menos susceptíveis à sepse, com menor resposta hipotensora, melhora da contração a agonistas e redução do processo inflamatório e NO plasmático. Portanto, a hipótese do presente trabalho é que no modelo de choque séptico induzido por ligação e perfuração cecal (CLP) em ratos, ocorreria menor resposta vasoconstritora ao agonista seletivo 1-adrenérgico Fenilefrina (PE) e este efeito seria atenuado pela inibição da sinalização desencadeada pelo CNP e modulado pelo estresse oxidativo. A sobrevivência dos ratos CLP foi menor do que a observada em ratos controle-operados (Sham). Os parâmetros cardiovasculares foram mais prejudicados nos ratos CLP do que em ratos Sham. A PE apresentou efeito pressórico menor em ratos CLP comparados aos ratos Sham. O CNP induziu efeito hipotensor em ambos os grupos, porém com maior aumento de frequência cardíaca nos ratos CLP. A contração induzida pela PE foi menor em aorta e artéria mesentérica de resistência, isoladas de ratos CLP, cujo efeito foi modulado pelo endotélio vascular. A vasodilatação induzida pelo CNP foi menor em aorta de ratos CLP. Além disso, o CNP apresentou efeito modulador negativo sobre a contração da PE em aortas com ou sem endotélio, mas não em artérias mesentéricas de resistência isoladas de ratos Sham e CLP. A menor resposta contrátil induzida pela PE em aortas de ratos CLP foi aumentada pelo antagonista de receptor NPR-B, pela inibição das enzimas NOS, xantina oxidase e metaloproteinases da matriz extracelular (MMPs) em aortas com endotélio. O efeito modulador negativo do CNP sobre a contração da PE foi revertido pelo antagonista de receptor NPR-B, inibição de NOS, redução da disponibilidade de O2- e pela degradação de H2O2, em ambos os grupos. Além disso, o estresse oxidativo e a concentração citosólica de H2O2 foram maiores no músculo liso vascular de ratos CLP. A expressão protéica de CNP endógeno foi menor no endotélio e maior no músculo liso da aorta de ratos CLP do que de Sham. Porém, a expressão protéica dos receptores 1-adrenérgicos e NPR-B não foram diferentes entre os grupos, mas a expressão protéica do receptor NPR-C foi menor na aorta de ratos CLP. A mobilização de cálcio intracelular foi menor no músculo liso da aorta de ratos CLP e a alta concentração de potássio extracelular não foi suficiente para despolarizar a membrana das células musculares da aorta de ratos CLP. A expressão protéica dos receptores NPR-B e NPR-C não foram diferentes no coração de ratos CLP. Entretanto, o potencial de membrana do ventrículo esquerdo (VE) dos ratos CLP foi menor que aquele de ratos Sham. Além disso, a concentração citosólica de cálcio no VE de ratos CLP foi menor que em ratos Sham, mas a redução de cálcio citoplasmático induzida pelo CNP foi maior no VE de ratos CLP comparada aquela em ratos Sham. Ocorreu disfunção cardíaca nos ratos CLP. No modelo de choque séptico induzido por cirurgia CLP em ratos, a participação do sistema de peptídeos natriuréticos, sobretudo do CNP, contribui para a menor resposta contrátil à fenilefrina e representa potencial via de intervenção na sepse severa e no choque séptico. / Septic shock is a systemic inflammatory syndrome secondary to an infection which the vascular dysfunction leads to an insufficient blood flow to vital organs with systemic hypotension, multiple organ injury and death. Usually, in septic shock patients there is an imbalance on hemodynamic factors, leading to low cardiac output and vasodilation, with decrease on contractile responses to several agonists, which the contribution of nitric oxide (NO), NO-synthases (NOS) and oxidative stress are evident. The contribution of natriuretic peptide system is observed on patients and animals submitted to severe sepsis or septic shock. C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) is a vasodilator that leads to vascular relaxation through cGMP, NO, vascular smooth muscle hyperpolarization and reduction in cytosolic calcium. Treatment of animals with NPR-A/B antagonist, as well as knockout mice to NPR-A receptor are less susceptible to sepsis, with less hypotension, enhanced contraction to different agonists and reduction in inflammation and plasma NO. Therefore, the hypothesis of the present work is in septic shock induced by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) model in rats there is low vasoconstriction to the selective 1- adrenoceptor agonist Phenylephrine (PE) and this effect could be attenuated by the inhibition of CNP signaling, strongly modulated by the oxidative stress. CLP survival was lower than the control rats (Sham) and cardiovascular parameters were impaired in CLP compared to the Sham rats. PE had positive pressure effect lower in CLP than in Sham rats. CNP induced hypotension in both groups with greater increases of cardiac rate in CLP. PE-induced contraction was decreased in aorta and resistance mesenteric artery isolated from CLP rats and this effect was modulated by the vascular endothelium. CNP-induced vasodilation was lower in rat aorta of CLP. Moreover, CNP had a negative modulator effect over the PE contraction on aortas with or without endothelium, but not on resistance mesenteric artery isolated from Sham and CLP rats. The low contractile response induced by PE on CLP aortas was enhanced by NPR-B antagonist, and by NOS, xanthine oxidase or extracellular matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) inhibition on aortas with endothelium. The negative modulation induced by CNP over the PE contraction was reversed by the presence of NPR-B antagonist, NOS inhibition, and by the decrease on O2- availability and H2O2 degradation in both groups. Furthermore, oxidative stress and H2O2 intracellular content were greater on vascular smooth muscle of CLP rats. Protein expression of endogenous CNP was lower on endothelium and greater on smooth muscle of aortas isolated from CLP compared to Sham rats. However, the protein expression of 1-adrenoceptor and NPR-B were not different between the groups, but the protein expression of NPR-C was lower on smooth muscle of CLP aortas. Intracellular calcium mobilization was decreased on vascular smooth muscle of CLP aortas and extracellular high potassium solution was not able to depolarize smooth muscle layer of CLP aortas. Protein expression of NPR-B and NPR-C were not different on CLP hearts. However, membrane potential of left ventricle (LV) of CLP was lower than in Sham rats. Besides, intracellular calcium content of LV of CLP was lower than Sham rats but the decrease on cytosolic calcium induced by CNP was greater on LV of CLP compared to the Sham rats. There was cardiac dysfunction on CLP rats. In rat CLP septic shock model, the role of natriuretic peptide, mainly CNP, is of great importance in the decreased 1-adrenoceptor contraction, representing a potential via of intervention on severe sepsis and septic shock.