Table 3 Summary of consensus among experts and the degree of recommendations
| Â | Degree of consensus | Grade of recommendation |
|---|---|---|
Inotrope indications | ||
 1. Inotropes are indicated in septic shock | Good | Strong |
 2. Inotropes are indicated in cardiogenic shock | Excellent | Strong |
 3. Inotropes are NOT indicated in hypovolemic shock | Excellent | Strong |
Choice of inotrope | ||
 4. Dobutamine is the first-line inotrope | Good | Strong |
 5. Dopamine is NOT a recommended inotrope | Excellent | Strong |
Triggers | ||
 6. Low cardiac output is a trigger for inotropic treatment | Excellent | Strong |
 7. Signs of hypoperfusion are a trigger for inotropic treatment | Good | Strong |
Targets | ||
 8. Low cardiac output is a target for inotropic treatment | Good | Strong |
 9. Signs of hypoperfusion are a target for inotropic treatment | Excellent | Strong |
Dosing should be lowered or stopped when | ||
 10. Patients experience unacceptable side effects | Excellent | Strong |
 11. Patients show clinical improvement | Good | Strong |