New Research Challenges Standard Septic Shock Treatment

The New England Journal of Medicine has published findings from the ARISE FLUIDS trial, a study examining how doctors treat septic shock (a life-threatening condition in which a severe infection causes dangerously low blood pressure and organ failure) in its earliest stages. The trial pits two established approaches against each other: aggressive fluid replacement versus early use of vasopressors (medicines that tighten blood vessels to raise blood pressure).

The journal also published an accompanying editorial titled *More Than One Way to Save a Life in Septic Shock*, suggesting the trial’s findings open the door to reconsidering treatment pathways that emergency and critical care teams have followed for years.

Septic shock is one of the most time-critical emergencies treated in hospital. Standard practice has long leant heavily on intravenous fluids as the first response, but the ARISE FLUIDS trial appears to test whether vasopressor medicines given earlier might achieve the same — or better — outcomes for some patients.

The full findings and methodology are available through the New England Journal of Medicine.

—

If you or someone you know develops signs of a serious infection that is getting rapidly worse — including confusion, very fast breathing, mottled or discoloured skin, or a rash that does not fade when pressed — call 999 immediately or go to your nearest emergency department. Do not call NHS 111 for symptoms that suggest sepsis (blood poisoning): it is a medical emergency.

For general health concerns, NHS 111 is available by phone or online, 24 hours a day.