The management of septic shock and Ludwig’s angina: A case report of a life-threatening condition

Ludwig’s angina is a high severity infection because of the risk of airway obstruction due to the rapid spread of the abscess into the deeper spaces. Therefore, performing the correct treatment is one of the keys to a successful result. A 44-year-old male patient came to the Emergency Unit of Hasan Sadikin Hospital, complaining of shortness of breath, severe pain, and progressive swelling. Extraoral examination showed a localized-fluctuated swelling located at the right lower jaw that extended to the chin, left lower jaw, and the frontal region of the neck region while a sequential organ failure assessment revealed a score of 2. A diagnosis of Ludwig’s angina and septic shock was confirmed. Intravenous infusion of norepinephrine was administered and a tracheostomy was performed. The next treatment phase consisted of a drainage procedure, tooth extraction, and placement of the Penrose drain. The patient was discharged 10 days later with a satisfactory outcome.

The Efficacy and Safety of Norepinephrine and Its Feasibility as a Replacement for Phenylephrine to Manage Maternal Hypotension during Elective Cesarean Delivery under Spinal Anesthesia

Maternal hypotension commonly occurs during spinal anesthesia for cesarean delivery, with a decrease of systemic vascular resistance recognized as a significant contributor. Accordingly, counteracting this effect with a vasopressor that constricts arterial vessels is appropriate, and the pure α-adrenergic receptor agonist phenylephrine is the current gold standard for treatment. However, phenylephrine is associated with dose-dependent reflex bradycardia and decreased cardiac output, which can endanger the mother and fetus in certain circumstances. In recent years, the older, traditional vasopressor norepinephrine has attracted increasing attention owing to its mild β-adrenergic effects in addition to its α-adrenergic effects. We search available literature for papers directly related to norepinephrine application in spinal anesthesia for elective cesarean delivery. Nine reports were found for norepinephrine use either alone or compared to phenylephrine. Results show that norepinephrine efficacy in rescuing maternal hypotension is similar to that of phenylephrine without obvious maternal or neonatal adverse outcomes, and with a lower incidence of bradycardia and greater cardiac output. In addition, either computer-controlled closed loop feedback infusion or manually-controlled variable-rate infusion of norepinephrine provides more precise blood pressure management than equipotent phenylephrine infusion or norepinephrine bolus. Thus, based on the limited available literature, norepinephrine appears to be a promising alternative to phenylephrine; however, before routine application begins, more favorable high-quality studies are warranted.

β1 Adrenergic receptor is key to cold- and diet-induced thermogenesis in mice

Brown adipose tissue (BAT) is predominantly regulated by the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) and the adrenergic receptor signaling pathway. Knowing that a mouse with triple β-receptor knockout (KO) is cold intolerant and obese, we evaluated the independent role played by the β1isoform in energy homeostasis. First, the 30 min i.v. infusion of norepinephrine (NE) or the β1selective agonist dobutamine (DB) resulted in similar interscapular BAT (iBAT) thermal response in WT mice. Secondly, mice with targeted disruption of the β1gene (KO of β1adrenergic receptor (β1KO)) developed hypothermia during cold exposure and exhibited decreased iBAT thermal response to NE or DB infusion. Thirdly, when placed on a high-fat diet (HFD; 40% fat) for 5 weeks, β1KO mice were more susceptible to obesity than WT controls and failed to develop diet-induced thermogenesis as assessed by BATUcp1mRNA levels and oxygen consumption. Furthermore, β1KO mice exhibited fasting hyperglycemia and more intense glucose intolerance, hypercholesterolemia, and hypertriglyceridemia when placed on the HFD, developing marked non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. In conclusion, the β1signaling pathway mediates most of the SNS stimulation of adaptive thermogenesis.