Early Effects of Catecholamine Therapy on Mucosal Integrity, Intestinal Blood Flow, and Oxygen Metabolism in Porcine Endotoxin Shock

Abstract

Systemic hemodynamics and oxygen metabolism data do not reflect intestinal perfusion. Norepinephrine or dopexamine administration in ET shock causes no additional impairment of intestinal integrity. Epinephrine therapy, in contrast, is associated with a significant reduction of mucosal pHi and considerable early mucosal damage. Its application in septic shock is hazardous.