Critical illness and the hepatic microcirculation: A review

Abstract

One of the most important goals of therapy in critically ill patients is restoring and maintaining adequate perfusion and oxygenation of vital organs in the recovery from a variety of disruptive processes, such as circulatory failure in myocardial infarction, sepsis, and trauma. The gastrointestinal tract is generally regarded as significant in the development of shock and multiple organ failure (MOF) as a consequence of loss of its barrier function against luminal bacteria and bacterial products, such as endotoxin in hypoxic conditions. Insufficient blood flow to the splanchnic organs is believed to be the essential mechanism [1]. Translocation of bacteria and endotoxin to the lymphatic and portal system is a first step towards distant organ damage. The gut and liver macrophages (Kupffer cells) are important as a first barrier against spread of translocated bacteria and endotoxins to the bloodstream. © 2007 Springer Science + Business Media Inc.