MAP is NOT a definition definition

OBJECTIVE: Circulatory shock is a life-threatening syndrome resulting in multiorgan failure and a high mortality rate. The aim of this consensus is to provide support to the bedside clinician regarding the diagnosis, management and monitoring of shock. METHODS: The European Society of Intensive Care Medicine invited 12 experts to form a Task Force to update a previous consensus (Antonelli et al.: Intensive Care Med 33:575-590, 2007). The same five questions addressed in the earlier consensus were used as the outline for the literature search and review, with the aim of the Task Force to produce statements based on the available literature and evidence...

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Despite the progress made over the past 20 years in the treatment of septic shock, mortality remains high. Microcirculatory disorders raise considerable interest aiming to improve the understanding of the physiopathology of septic shock and its management. RECENT FINDINGS: Numerous experimental and clinical studies have gradually focused on the analysis of microcirculatory blood flow and identified alterations in small vessels. These microcirculatory abnormalities appear early, are heterogeneous, and are directly linked to organ failure, as well as the patient's prognosis...