Shock: Management Guidelines

Shock is commonly seen in pediatric age group. These guidelines are described to treat septic shock, which tends to be a combination of hypovolemic, cardiogenic and distributive shock. Systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS), sepsis and its definitions (including septic shock), etiology, assessment and management in an child in emergency department and pediatric intensive care unit will be discussed. Recent consensus international guidelines for management will be highlighted. Controversial issues such as crystalloid versus colloids in fluid management, activated protein C and steroids will also be touched upon. Finally simple key points for the pediatrician in effective management of an child with septic shock will be mentioned based on currently available evidence.