Assessment of Two Levels of Arterial Pressure on Survival in Patients With Septic Shock

The ideal mean arterial pressure in patients with septic shock is unknown. The expert's recommandations have stated a target between 65 and 70 mm Hg. However the scientific basis are weak. Indead there are only few prospective studies which addressed this question without clear answer. Therefore we designed a RCT in order to assess the effect on mortality of two levels of mean arterial pressure in patients with septic shock.(800 patients, 30 centres)

Inclusion Criteria:

• patients with septic shock according criteria of Bone
• minimal dose of norepinephrine
• Written informed consent obtained from the patient or surrogate

Exclusion Criteria:

• Age < 18 years
• Pregnancy
• Participation in other trials with the same endpoints
• moribund
• absence of registration in french health care system
• patient protected by law