Author(s): Antony Macido, DNP, ACNP-BC, CNS
Background: Sepsis continues to be one of the most frequent causes of mortality in critically ill patients globally. Septic cardiomyopathy or sepsis induced cardiomyopathy (SICM) is a phenomenon that is often undiagnosed and underdiagnosed in septic states. The significance of appropriate identification and management of SICM in the prognosis and outcomes of sepsis remain unclear.
Aim: This paper provides a brief review of the incidence of SICM and its appropriate diagnosis in septic states. The paper also provides an insight into the pathophysiology of SICM and the strategies employed in the clinical management of this entity.
Methods: A brief umbrella review was conducted on the incidence and diagnosis of SICM including its pathophysiology. The paper also reviewed the current evidence supporting the appropriate identification and management of SICM including any available guidelines employed in the management of it.
Findings: There is no universally agreed definition of SICM. The pathophysiology of SICM is intricate and its diagnosis and management remain complex. No specific guidelines are available to date in aiding the diagnosis and management of SICM.
Conclusion: Despite being a reversible phenomenon, SICM can increase the mortality associated with sepsis. Appropriate identification and management of SICM may have prognostic implications in sepsis and septic shock.
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