A 65-year-old woman is admitted in ICU of the hospital with sepsis caused by a urinary tract infection. She is hypotensive, with a BP of 80/40 mm hg and has an elevated heart rate and decreased urine output. Along with the institution of appropriate antibiotic therapy and IV fluids, a decision is made to start her on an IV infusion of dopamine to attempt to raise her BP

2.  A 65-year-old woman is admitted in ICU of
the hospital with sepsis caused by a urinary
tract infection. She is hypotensive, with a BP
of 80/40 mm hg and has an elevated heart
rate and decreased urine output. Along with
the institution of appropriate antibiotic
therapy and IV fluids, a decision is made to
start her on an IV infusion of dopamine to
attempt to raise her BP

3. Questions
1. What effects can be expected with low dose
dopamine?
2. Which receptors mediate these effects?
3. What effects occur with higher dose
dopamine and which receptors mediate
these?

4. Summary
 A 65-year-old woman in septic shock has
persistent hypotension and oliguria
requiring IV dopamine

5. Effects of low dose dopamine
 Reduces arterial resistance
 Increases blood flow in renal, coronary,
and splanchnic systems;
 Positive inotropic effect

6. Receptors involved
 Beta 1 receptors
 Specific dopamine receptors

7. Effects of higher dose dopamine
and receptors involved
Vaso constriction mediated by alpha
receptors