Impact of New-Onset Left Ventricular Dysfunction on Outcomes in Mechanically Ventilated Patients With Severe Sepsis and Septic Shock.

BACKGROUND:: Left ventricular systolic dysfunction (LVSD) and LV diastolic dysfunction (LVDD) are commonly seen in severe sepsis and septic shock; however, their role in patients with concurrent invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) is less well defined. METHODS:: This was a prospective observational study on all patients admitted to all the intensive care units (ICUs) at Mayo Clinic, Rochester from August 2007 to January 2009. All adult patients with severe sepsis and septic shock and concurrent IMV without prior heart failure underwent transthoracic echocardiography within 24 hours. Patients with active pregnancy, prior congenital or valvular heart disease, and prosthetic cardiac valves were excluded. Left ventricular systolic dysfunction was defined as LV ejection fraction (LVEF) CONCLUSION:: Left ventricular systolic or diastolic dysfunction did not influence in-hospital outcomes in patients with severe sepsis and septic shock and concurrent IMV