Dopamine is a chemical found naturally in the brain and blood. It acts on nerves and as a hormone. When given intravenously, it is in a class of drugs known as vasopressors. These drugs increase the blood pressure dramatically. Dopamine is a vasopressor that can be given to treat shock. The diagnosis and management of diseases should be done with the consultation of a licensed health care professional.
Shock
Shock is commonly thought of as an emotional state. However, medically, shock refers to decreased perfusion of the organs with blood. The cells that make up organs need a continuous supply of oxygen from which energy is derived in order to function. A decreased supply of blood leads to dysfunction and organ damage, according to the book "Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine."
Types
Shock has four general causes. First, the heart can stop pumping blood effectively, as can occur with a heart attack or a disturbed heart rhythm. This is cardiogenic shock. Distributive shock occurs when the blood vessels dilate to too wide of a diameter and the blood pressure drops. This can occur with spinal cord damage or body-wide infections. Hypovolemic shock refers to shock from not having enough blood. The fourth category of shock is obstructive. This occurs when something such as a large blood clot is obstructing the flow of blood.
Dopamine Effects on the Body
Dopamine is given during shock to increase the delivery of blood to the organs. In the heart it increases the heart rate, increasing the delivery of blood to the organs. It also increases the force of contraction of each beat. In addition, dopamine decreases the diameter of many of the blood vessels, which results in an increased blood pressure.
Dopamine Side-Effects
According to a 2010 article in the "New England Journal of Medicine," the two most commonly used drugs for shock are norepinephrine and dopamine. A study reported there found no difference in mortality overall, but there was a slight increase in mortality for dopamine use in those with cardiogenic shock, and a greater risk of disturbed heart rhythms. In addition, dopamine may have an adverse effect on the immune system by altering functions of the brain and hormonal systems, resulting in decreases in the hormones prolactin and growth hormone.
References
- "Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine"; Anthony S Fauci et al; 17th Ed 2008
- "New England Journal of Medicine"; "Comparison of Dopamine and Norepinephrine in the Treatment of Shock"; De Backer D, Biston P, Devriendt J, et al; 2010
