Capnoacademy - November 29, 2015 - By By Kelly Grayson
"While pre-existing pulmonary pathology such as asthma or COPD (especially CO2 retainers) can alter ETCO2 levels and complicate diagnosis of severe sepsis, careful evaluation of waveform morphology (normal waveforms and not the characteristic “shark fin” of acute bronchospasm) and a thorough history can help exclude those patients. In patients without such pathology, capnography can aid identification of severe sepsis.
By prompt initiation of vascular access and titrating fluid therapy and/or vasopressors (following local protocols) to a mean arterial pressure (MAP) > 65 mm Hg, EMS can help stabilize sepsis patients and prevent decompensation into septic shock."
This waveform shows hypocapnea – elevated respiratory rate, ETCO2 around 26, and normal waveform morphology. (Photo by Kelly Grayson)