Background And Objective: Microcirculatory alterations are thought to be responsible for much of the morbidity and mortality from sepsis. The aim of the present study was to characterize the buccal microvascular response in patients with septic shock using combined laser Doppler flowmetry/visual light spectroscopy measurements.
Methods: Microvascular measurements were performed daily on the buccal mucosa in 21 consecutive ICU patients within 24 h of the onset of septic shock, in 20 healthy volunteers, and in eight ICU patients after uncomplicated elective surgery (ICU controls).