Role of Bedside Echocardiography in Cardiac Function Evaluation and Treatment Planning in Septic Shock Patients

Septic shock is associated with significant cardiovascular dysfunction, including myocardial depression, altered preload, and abnormal vasoplegia, all of which contribute to high morbidity and mortality. Conventional clinical assessment and static hemodynamic parameters often fail to accurately identify the underlying cardiac abnormalities in these patients. Bedside echocardiography is a non-invasive, rapid, and repeatable tool that allows real-time assessment of cardiac structure and function, including left and right ventricular performance, volume status, and response to fluid resuscitation and vasoactive therapy.

This study aims to evaluate the role of bedside echocardiography in assessing cardiac function in patients with septic shock and its impact on guiding individualized treatment strategies. Echocardiographic parameters such as ventricular systolic function, chamber dimensions, inferior vena cava variability, and cardiac output will be assessed and correlated with therapeutic decisions, including fluid management and choice of vasoactive agents. The findings may help optimize hemodynamic management, prevent inappropriate fluid administration, and improve clinical outcomes in septic shock patients.