Prolonged inhibition of nitric oxide synthesis in severe septic shock

Abstract

Nitric oxide appears to play a role in cardiovascular derangements during human sepsis. The increased blood pressure and vascular resistance values are sustained during prolonged inhibition of nitric oxide synthesis with L-NAME in patients with severe septic shock, although the hemodynamic changes are most significant in the early stages of L-NAME infusion. The high mortality rate in these patients may suggest that L-NAME has only limited effects on outcome.