The effects of low-dose dopamine on splanchnic blood flow and oxygen uptake in patients with septic shock

Objective: To assess the effects of low-dose dopamine on splanchnic blood flow and splanchnic oxygen uptake in patients with septic shock. Design: Prospective, controlled trial. Setting: University hospital intensive care unit Patients: 11 patients with septic shock, diagnosed according the criteria of the 1992 American College of Chest Physicians/Society of Critical Care Medicine consensus conference, who required treatment with norepinephrine. Measurements and main results: Systemic and splanchnic hemodynamics and oxygen transport were measured before and during addition of low-dose dopamine (3 μg/kg per min). Low-dose dopamine had a marked effect on total body hemodynamics and oxygen transport. The fractional splanchnic flow at baseline ranged from 0.15 to 0.57. In 7 patients with a fractional splanchnic flow less than 0.30, low-dose dopamine increased splanchnic flow and splanchnic oxygen delivery and oxygen consumption. In 4 patients with a fractional splanchnic flow above 0.30, low-dose dopamine did not appear to change splanchnic blood flow. Conclusion: Low-dose dopamine has a potential beneficial effect on splanchnic blood flow and oxygen consumption in patients with septic shock, provided the fractional splanchnic flow is not already high before treatment. Received: 19 September 1995 Accepted: 21 September 1996