How High Can You Go?

In this podcast episode, Dr. Salim Rezaie explores the intriguing topic of norepinephrine dosage in critical care, asking "Norepinephrine: How High Can You Go?" After posing the question to the ResusX community, he delves into four retrospective studies and a unique case report, shedding light on the highest recorded doses ranging from 1.4 to 2.91 micrograms per kilogram per minute. With a lack of randomized clinical trials on maximum dosage, Dr. Rezaie discusses survival rates, digit necrosis, and the duration of high doses. Emphasizing the rarity of such instances, he offers insights into assessing patients, suggesting considerations like accurate blood pressure measurement, echocardiography, and source control. Dr. Rezaie encourages critical evaluation during escalating doses, sharing his clinical approach and stressing the importance of recognizing underlying causes. This episode serves as a thought-provoking exploration of norepinephrine limits in critical care, sparking valuable debate and conversation within the medical community.