Effects of short-term hyperoxia on sytemic hemodynamics, oxygen transport, and microcirculation: An observational study in patients with septic shock and healthy volunteers.

Purpose: To characterize the microvascular effects of a brief period of hyperoxia, in patients with septic shock and in healthy volunteers.

Materials And Methods: In 20 patients with septic shock, we assessed systemic hemodynamics, sublingual microcirculation by SDF-videomicroscopy, and skin perfusion by capillary refill time (CRT), central-peripheral temperature (ΔT°), and perfusion index. Measurements were performed at baseline and after 5 min of inspired oxygen fraction of 1.

Relationship of at Admission Lactate, Unmeasured Anions, and Chloride to the Outcome of Critically Ill Patients.

Objectives: To investigate the association between the concentration of the causative anions responsible for the main types of metabolic acidosis and the outcome.

Design: Prospective observational study.

Setting: Teaching ICU.

Prognostic value of ventricular diastolic dysfunction in patients with severe sepsis and septic shock.

Objectives: To evaluate the prevalence of myocardial dysfunction and its prognostic value in patients with severe sepsis and septic shock.

Methods: Adult septic patients admitted to an intensive care unit were prospectively studied using transthoracic echocardiography within the first 48 hours after admission and thereafter on the 7th-10th days. Echocardiographic variables of biventricular function, including the E/e' ratio, were compared between survivors and non-survivors.

Lack of agreement between different observers and methods in the measurement of capillary refill time in healthy volunteers: an observational study.

Objective: Peripheral perfusion abnormalities are relevant manifestations of shock. Capillary refill time is commonly used for their evaluation. However, the reproducibility of capillary refill time measurements and their correlation with other variables of peripheral perfusion, have not been comprehensively evaluated.