What physiological mechanism is triggered by fever in septic shock?

In the context of septic shock, fever is often a systemic response to an infection, characterized by elevated body temperature due to the release of pyrogens, which are substances that induce fever. The physiological mechanism of fever typically includes multiple responses from the body, one of which is the dilation of capillary beds in the skin.

When fever occurs, the hypothalamus increases the body’s temperature set point. As the body works to reach this new temperature, many physiological adaptations take place. Dilation of capillaries in the skin and peripheral areas is designed to facilitate heat loss to the environment, preventing overheating as the internal temperature rises. This vasodilation increases blood flow to these areas, allowing for more efficient thermoregulation.

In septic shock, the body also faces a critical situation where the circulation and perfusion of tissues can become severely compromised. The dilation of capillary beds aims to enhance blood flow, improve oxygen delivery, and promote the distribution of immune components to areas that may be affected by infection. Keeping capillary beds open supports better exchange of nutrients and waste products at the tissue level.

While increased heart rate, constriction of blood vessels, or increased respiration rate can occur in response to various stressors or physiological changes in different contexts,