Microvascular dysfunction in septic and dengue shock: Pathophysiology and implications for clinical management

Abstract

[No abstract, showing first paragraph of article]

The microcirculation is the terminal vascular network of the systemic circulation, whose primary function is to distribute oxygen to, and remove metabolic by-products from living cells. In health, tissue perfusion is regulated by control of microvascular tone and endothelial permeability. In states of shock, however, there is a mismatch between demand for, and delivery or utilisation of oxygen in the tissues.