Epinephrine challenge in sepsis

Epinephrine challenge in sepsis: An empiric approach to catecholamines

PulmCrit - April 25, 2016 - By Josh Farkas

• Epinephrine and norepinephrine are both acceptable, evidence-based approaches to hemodynamic support in septic shock.
• Individual patient responsiveness to vasopressors is variable and unpredictable.
• Some patients respond better to epinephrine than norepinephrine.
• For patients who are not responding well to norepinephrine, it is reasonable to empirically trial a low dose of epinephrine (“epinephrine challenge”).

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