Capillary Refill Time Response to Fluid Challenge or Vasopressor Test in Septic Shock: Observational Study

Capillary Refill Time Response to Fluid Challenge or Vasopressor Test in Septic Shock: Observational Study

Authors: Glenn Hernández, Emilio Daniel Valenzuela, Eduardo Kattan, et al.

Published in: Annals of Intensive Care, April 2, 2024

Conclusions:

  • FC generally improved or stabilized CRT in fluid-responsive patients, suggesting beneficial effects on tissue perfusion.
  • Increasing MAP via norepinephrine in hypertensive, fluid-unresponsive patients showed mixed CRT responses. While it improved in most, some experienced deterioration in skin perfusion, indicating the need for cautious use and further investigation.

Methods:

  • Participants: 34 patients with septic shock and abnormal CRT post-initial resuscitation.
  • Interventions:
    • FC: 500 ml over 30 mins in 9 fluid-responsive patients.
    • VPT: Increased norepinephrine dosage to achieve MAP of 80-85 mmHg for 30 mins in 25 patients.
  • Measurements: CRT was measured before and after interventions.

Results:

  • Fluid Challenge Results: Significant decrease in CRT post-FC (from 5 [3.5-7.6] to 4 [2.4-5.1] sec, p=0.008).
  • Vasopressor Test Results: CRT also decreased following VPT (from 4.0 [3.3-5.6] to 3 [2.6-5] sec, p=0.03), although 4 patients showed worsened CRT, potentially linked to concurrent low-dose vasopressin use.
Hernández, G., Valenzuela, E.D., Kattan, E., Castro, R., Guzmán, C., Kraemer, A.E., Sarzosa, N., Alegría, L., Contreras, R., Oviedo, V. and Bravo, S., 2024. Capillary refill time response to a fluid challenge or a vasopressor test: an observational, proof-of-concept study. Annals of Intensive Care, 14(1), p.49.
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