Explain the Ebb-Phase of Stress Response?

This occurs immediately following injury and lasts for approximately 24-hours. The so-called ebb phase, which is the early phase of the injury response, is characterized by:

• An elevated blood glucose level,
• Normal glucose production,
• Elevated free fatty acid levels,
• Low insulin concentration,
• Elevated levels of catecholamines and glucagon,
• An elevated blood lactate level,
• Depressed oxygen consumption,
• Below-normal cardiac output, and
• Below-normal core temperature.

The ebb phase is dominated by cardiovascular instability, alterations in circulating blood volume, impairment of oxygen transport, and heightened autonomic activity. Emergency support of cardiopulmonary performance is of paramount therapeutic concern. Shock is the clinical manifestation of the ebb phase. After effective resuscitation has been accomplished and restoration of satisfactory oxygen transport has been achieved, the next phase i.e flow phase comes into play.