Transpulmonary Thermodilution and Transesophageal Echocardiography in Early Septic Shock

Each patient will be assessed by both the transpulmonary thermodilution technique and TEE (H0). The two assessments will be performed in random order (central randomization stratified by participating center), but within 30 minutes (no change of ongoing treatment during the assessment period). Two investigators not involved in patient care and blinded to the results of the alternative technique will performed independently the hemodynamic assessment using one of the two modalities for hemodynamic assessment tested in the study. They will interpret the results at bedside and propose a therapeutic change to the attending physician, according to the hemodynamic profile. The latter will finally: precisely identify the clinical problem to be solved (e.g., therapeutic target of the Surviving Sepsis Campaign not reached, tissue hypoperfusion), choose a therapy adapted while taking into account the clinical scenario and the results of both the transpulmonary thermodilution and TEE, evaluate the efficacy of this treatment (problem solved or not) and its tolerance (potential side-effect attributable to the treatment). In addition, the presence or resolution of signs of tissue hypoperfusion will systematically be assessed at H6, H12 and H24. Primary and secondary outcomes will be assessed by an independent committee of experts.

Inclusion criteria

• ventilated patient in sinus rhythm with septic shock requiring a hemodynamic assessment

Exclusion criteria

• < 18 yr-old
• pregnancy
• contra-indication for TEE, non sinus rhythm, aplasia, prior participation to the study, hemodynamic assessment using any other technique than those tested in the study.