Objective: To assess how norepinephrine (NE), an emergency treatment of cardiovascular collapse, is used in intensive care.
Methods: Nurses and physicians of 14 intensive care units of the Bordeaux University Hospital were given questionnaires on the way they say they use NE and on actual NE treatment of patients.
Results: The clinical monitoring parameters cited were blood pressure, heart rate and hourly urine flow. Only 25% of the prescribers indicated the systematic use of hemodynamic monitoring. All the prescribers indicated they adapted the treatment to clinical objectives and blood pressure, and 77.5% to hourly urine flow. Initial NE concentrations ranged from 0.5 to 2 mg/ml, diluted in saline or dextrose. Initial prescribed dose ranged from 0.1 to 1 microg/kg/min. Large differences were observed between services and even within units.
Conclusion: These data clearly show the need for recommendations regarding the use of norepinephrine.