What is a common treatment for severe sepsis with third-degree heart block?

Transcutaneous pacing is often employed as a common treatment for severe sepsis complicated by third-degree heart block because it can temporarily stimulate the heart when there is a complete block in the electrical conduction system. In cases of third-degree heart block, the signals that regulate heartbeats can become ineffective, leading to bradycardia (a slower than normal heart rate) and potentially reducing cardiac output and tissue perfusion.

Transcutaneous pacing uses external electrodes to deliver electrical impulses to the heart, effectively bypassing the block and increasing the heart rate. This intervention can be particularly critical in the setting of severe sepsis, where maintaining adequate circulation and organ perfusion is essential to prevent further complications. While other treatments may be necessary to address the underlying sepsis and stabilize the patient overall, transcutaneous pacing is a direct and immediate way to manage the heart’s rhythm in the context of severe sepsis and heart block.

The other options, while they may play important roles in managing sepsis or heart conditions separately, do not address the immediate need for pacing to manage the heart block effectively.