Effects of Shenfu Injection on Heart Function and Serum Biomarkers in Septic Shock

Septic shock often induces severe myocardial depression. Shenfu injection (SFI), a traditional Chinese medicine, requires more evidence for its efficacy in this condition. We describe a method to evaluate the effects of SFI on cardiac function and serum biomarkers in patients with septic shock. This retrospective case-control investigation included 186 patients hospitalized with septic shock between January 2019 and December 2023. Based on the therapeutic regimen, participants were allocated to either a Control group receiving standard care alone (n=93) or an SFI group receiving standard care augmented by SFI (n=93). They were intravenously infused continuously for 7 days. The detection indicators included the following: Cardiac function indicators: ejection fraction (LVEF), cardiac troponin I (cTnI), N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP); inflammatory indicators: interleukin-6 (IL-6), procalcitonin (PCT), C-reactive protein (CRP); tissue perfusion indicators: blood lactate (Lac), central venous oxygen saturation (ScvO2); hemodynamic parameters: mean arterial pressure (MAP), cardiac output index (CI); organ function indicators: creatinine, alanine aminotransferase (ALT); clinical prognosis indicators: 28-day mortality rate, ICU stay time. After 7 days, the SFI group showed significant improvements in LVEF (45.72% vs. 39.05%), and reductions in cTnI, NT-proBNP, IL-6, PCT, and Lac compared to the Control group (all P < 0.05). MAP, ScvO2, and CI were also significantly higher in the SFI group. Clinically, the SFI group had a lower 28-day mortality rate (51.61% vs. 70.97%), a shorter ICU stay (9.45 vs. 13.75 days), and reduced duration of vasopressor use (P < 0.05). This retrospective study shows that, in addition to conventional treatment, the combination of SFI can improve the cardiac function of patients with septic shock, reduce myocardial injury markers and inflammatory factor levels, and have a positive significance for the improvement of patient prognosis.