Refractory Septic Shock: Definition (2026)

This article reports on a webinar focused on refractory septic shock and its definition for 2026. The webinar took place on Tuesday, September 29, at 16:00 CEST, coinciding with World Heart Day. Its aim was to explore one of the most challenging forms of circulatory failure in critically ill patients. Discussions covered why a new definition was needed and how to approach patients when standard resuscitation fails. Key topics included defining refractory septic shock, its management, including vasopressor strategies, and understanding failing circulation. Experts such as Flavia Ribeiro Machado, Marc Leone, and Daniel De Backer presented. The event emphasized the importance of recognizing and managing circulatory failure in critically ill patients.