Overview

This study is a prospective, multicenter, parallel-group, open-label, randomized controlled clinical trial. Sepsis is defined as organ dysfunction induced by infections. And sepsis and gastrointestinal injury can be the leading cause for each other. Our previous study showed erector spinae plane block improved the organ dysfunctions in patients with AGI. The aim of the clinical trial is to investigate erector pinae plane block improves the organ dysfunction in septic patients with acute gastrointestinal injury.

Eligibility

Inclusion Criteria:

• Septic patients with acute gastrointestinal injury grade II or III;
• Age over 18 years;
• Expected to stay in the ICU for at least 3 days or longer;

Exclusion Criteria:

• Mean arterial pressure less than 65 mmHg after fluid resuscitation, or requirement for an intravenous norepinephrine dose of greater than 0.5 µg/kg/min to maintain a normal mean arterial pressure;
• Heart rates less than 50 beats/min, or concomitant with moderate-to-severe atrioventricular block without a pacemaker;
• Contraindications for erector spinae plane blocks, including infection of the puncture site, spinal diseases or immobilization;
• Primary gastrointestinal disorders requiring a surgical procedure, such as mechanical intestinal obstruction, massive gastrointestinal hemorrhage, and gastrointestinal perforation;
• Gastrointestinal operation within one week before enrollment;
• Neuromuscular disorders;
• Coagulation abnormalities：activated prothrombin time or prothrombin time is prolonged with 2 folds, or platelet count less than 50×109/L;
• End-stage malignant tumor or cachexia;
• History of allergy to amide anesthetics;
• Known pregnancy;