This prospective observational study will investigate cardiovascular phenotypes in adults with sepsis and hemodynamic instability. Approximately 400 patients requiring vasopressor support will be enrolled across multiple hospital sites. Within 72 hours of admission, participants will undergo peripheral vascular assessments, echocardiography, and blood sampling for cardiac, endothelial, and inflammatory biomarkers. Patients will be classified according to the presence or absence of peripheral vascular dysfunction and cardiac dysfunction. The primary aim is to examine the association between these cardiovascular phenotypes and one-year mortality. Secondary aims include evaluating biomarker profiles, characterizing myocardial injury, and assessing cardiac function at a 3-month follow-up. The study seeks to improve understanding of sepsis-related cardiovascular dysfunction and support development of more individualized management strategies.
Age 18 years or older
Suspected sepsis based on clinical evaluation and supporting laboratory findings
Hemodynamic instability, defined as mean arterial pressure < 65 mmHg despite adequate fluid resuscitation
Requirement for vasopressor support
Lack of informed consent
Advanced peripheral arterial disease, including: subclavian artery occlusion with vertebrobasilar symptoms, critical hand ischemia with tissue loss or non-healing wounds, multilevel occlusive disease affecting upper-extremity arteries, upper limb surgery or significant upper limb trauma within 30 days prior to admission, technical limitations preventing proper placement of the EndoPAT device (e.g., finger amputation, severe rheumatologic deformity, or marked extremity edema).