The Effects of Low-dose Dopamine on Splanchnic Blood Flow and Oxygen Uptake in Patients with Septic Shock

Objective: To assess the effects of low-dose dopamine on splanchnic blood flow and splanchnic oxygen uptake in patients with septic shock.

Design: Prospective, controlled trial.

Setting: University hospital intensive care unit.

Patients: 11 patients with septic shock, diagnosed according the criteria of the 1992 American College of Chest Physicians/Society of Critical Care Medicine consensus conference, who required treatment with norepinephrine.

Measurements And Main Results: Systemic and splanchnic hemodynamics and oxygen transport were measured before and during addition of low-dose dopamine (3 micrograms/kg per min). Low-dose dopamine and a marked effect on total body hemodynamics and oxygen transport. The fractional splanchnic flow at baseline ranged from 0.15 to 0.57. In 7 patients with a fractional splanchnic flow less than 0.30, low-dose dopamine increased splanchnic flow and splanchnic oxygen delivery and oxygen consumption. In 4 patients with a fractional splanchnic flow above 0.30, low-dose dopamine did not appear to change splanchnic blood flow.

Conclusion: Low-dose dopamine has a potential beneficial effect on splanchnic blood flow and oxygen consumption in patients with septic shock, provided the fractional splanchnic flow is not already high before treatment.