Hemodynamic and Perfusion Response to Drotrecogin Alfa (Activated) in Patients With Septic Shock

Inclusion: * 18 years of age or older with a diagnosis of septic shock * presence of a pulmonary artery catheter (or central venous catheters) * requiring vasopressor support despite adequate fluid resuscitation * an intravenous steroid administered for septic shock, except for those patients who were tested and are responders to a corticotropin stimulation test, or patients who do not receive a steroid due to the clinical judgment of the treating physician, based on an alternate assessment (e.g. normal baseline cortisol). Exclusion: * Onset of first-sepsis induced organ dysfunction is greater than 24 hours from the time of informed consent * Baseline measurements of pulmonary artery occlusive pressure (PAOP) \< 12 mmHg or a central venous pressure (CVP) \< 8 mmHg * Patient requires continuous oxygen therapy by face-mask * The presence of an advanced directive to withhold life-sustaining treatment, with the exception of a directive to withhold chest compressions only * Have received treatment within the last 30 days with a drug that has not received regulatory approval for any indication at the time of study entry * Weight \> 200 kg * Are moribund (not expected to survive 24 hours) * Are pregnant or are lactating and the milk is to be ingested by the infant (pregnancy status must be verified by urine or serum testing) * Have not completed written informed consent signed by the patient or the patient's legal representative.