[Impact of extended focus assessed transthoracic echocardiography protocol in septic shock patients]

To investigate the impact of extended focus assessed transthoracic echocardiography (eFATE) in septic shock patients.

A total of 83 septic shock patients were recruited. And they were divided into the eFATE and routine groups. In the routine group, the patients were assessed by routine methods. And in the eFATE group, the following parameters of central venous pressure (CVP), mean arterial pressure (MAP), cardiac index (CI), stroke volume index (SVI) and ScvO(2) (central venous oxygen saturation) were measured routinely. The PiCCO (pulse indicator continuous cardiac output) method was employed when needed. All parameters and the others [acute physiology and chronic health evaluation II (APACHEII) & lactate] were recorded every 6 h. At 6, 24, 72 h and 1 w, the fluid intake volumes were recorded. All values were analyzed by statistic methods. And the mortality rates of intensive care unit and Day 28 were recorded.

In the eFATE group, the 24 h targeting rate was markedly higher than the routine group. Yet there was no effect on the 6 h targeting rate. In the eFATE group, the fluid intake volumes at 6, 24 h and 1 w were markedly lowered than those of the control group. And the myocardial inhibition occurred earlier versus the control group. There was no difference in mortality rate between two groups.

eFATE plays an important role in the correct assessment of septic shock patients. But its prognostic impact remains to be further defined.