The Prevalence of the Aortic to Radial Pressure Gradient in States of Shock, Outside the Context of Cardiac Surgery, a Prospective Study

First described in cardiac surgery, the aortic to radial pressure gradient (ATRAP) is the cause of an underestimation of the aortic pressure with a measure assumed with a radial catheter, and he can concert 1 of 3rd patients. The risks factor well known are small height, previous hypertension, long and difficult surgery, radial artery diameter less than 1.8mm.

The ATRAP definition is a pressure difference between radial and femoral (same of the aortic pressure) pressure of 25mmHg on the systolic pressure, or a pressure difference on the mean pressure of 10mmHg, both measures realised by arterial canulation, and with a duration superior than 5 minutes.

If this gradient appears in pathophysiological specifics situations, there is a risk of inappropriate administration of vasopressors, with more hospitalisation days, more side effect of vasopressors like an augmentation of myocardial work.

The ATRAP is documented in septic shock with a prevalence between 21% and 27%. The ATRAP can appear in shocks, moreover with doses of equivalent norepinephrine of 0.5 µg/kg/min who is use for the definition of refractive shock, the difference between the two pressure is higher if the dose of equivalent norepinephrine is higher than 1µg/kg/min. But the prevalence and risks factors are barely unknowns in this situation.

Most of the time, a radial arterial catheter is used for hemodynamic monitoring for his simplicity of utilisation and the lows complications associated. Some medical teams in cardiac surgeries, or in intensive care unit (ICU) for the management of shocks used often radial and femoral arterial catheter. It seems there is no at risk for the utilisation of a radial and femoral arterial canulation.

Out of the situation of cardiac surgery, there is a lack of information of the ATRAP, the objective of the study is to evaluate the prevalence of the ATRAP in shock, out of the situation of cardiac surgery.