Microcirculatory Changes During Magnesium Sulphate Infusion in Sepsis

Microcirculatory Changes During Open Label Magnesium Sulphate Infusion in Severe Sepsis and Septic Shock

During infections (sepsis) bloodflow in small vessels (microcirculation) becomes disturbed. Restoration of bloodpressure and cardiac performance may not be sufficient to correct these alterations. Magnesium is a potent vasodilator which may be used to open up the small vessels, in order to reduce organ failure.

In a single-center open label study we evaluated the effects of magnesium sulphate (MgS) infusion on the sublingual microcirculation perfusion in fluid resuscitated patients with severe sepsis and septic shock within the first 48 hours after ICU admission. Directly prior to and after 1 hour of magnesium sulphate (MgS) infusion (2 gram) systemic hemodynamic variables, sublingual SDF images and standard laboratory tests, were obtained.

Inclusion Criteria:

• severe sepsis and septic shock

Exclusion Criteria:

• pregnancy
• oral bleeding
• age < 18 years
• liver cirrhosis
• acute arrhythmias
• advanced malignancy or a mean arterial pressure (MAP) < 65 mmHg refractory to vasopressors