Endothelial glycocalyx: basic science and clinical implications

This article aims to summarise the literature on the glycocalyx related to its basic science, clinical settings inciting injury, protective strategies and clinical perspectives. Perioperative damage to the glycocalyx structure can increase vascular permeability leading to interstitial fluid shifts, oedema, and increased surgical morbidity. Pathological shedding of the glycocalyx occurs in response to mechanical cellular stress, endotoxins, inflammatory mediators, atrial natriuretic peptide, ischaemia–reperfusion injury, free oxygen radicals and hyperglycaemia. Incr eased understanding of the endothelial glycocalyx may change perioperative fluid management, and therapeutic strategies aimed at its preservation may improve patient outcomes.
Source: Anaesthesia and Intensive Care - Category: Anesthesiology Source Type: research