Central and mixed venous oxygen saturation in septic shock: is there a clinically relevant difference?

Introduction: Central venous oxygen saturation (SvcO2) has been proposed as an alternative for mixed venous oxygen saturation (SvO2), with a variable level of acceptance according to available data. This study aimed to evaluate possible differences between SvO2 and SvcO2 or atrial venous saturation (SvaO2), with emphasis on the role of cardiac output and their impact on clinical management of the septic patient.

Methods: This is an observational, prospective study of patients with septic shock monitored by pulmonary artery catheter.