Application strategy of PiCCO in septic shock patients

Septic shock, also known as infectious or toxic shock, is a medical condition caused by severe infection and sepsis. Early identification, timely diagnosis and effective treatments are imperative to prevent this medical condition. The aim of the present study was to examine the application of pulse index continuous cardiac output (PiCCO) technique in the treatment of septic shock patients. Fifty septic shock patients were randomly divided into the conventional detection group (group C, n=25) and the PiCCO detection group (group P, n=25). A central venous catheter and radial artery catheter were placed into the patients of group C and a central venous catheter and PiCCO catheter (through femoral artery) were placed in the patients of group P to detect haemodynamics, which was managed and treated according to early goal-directed therapy (EGDT). PiCCO was applied to monitor and guide the application of fluid resuscitation, vasoconstriction drugs (dopamine) and positive inotropic drugs (dobutamine). The EGDT qualified rate of patients from the two groups at the 6th h of treatment, changes of post-resuscitation relevant parameters [blood lactate level, central venous oxygen saturation (ScvO₂), central venous pressure (CVP), mean arterial pressure (MAP) and urine volume], positive fluid balance quantity and the dosage of dopamine and dobutamine at the 6th, 24th and 48th h were observed. In comparison to group C, group P showed an increase in the EGDT qualified rate and ScvO₂ at the 6th h of treatment while the blood lactate level was decreased. The positive fluid balance quantity at the 6th and 24th h and the dosage of dobutamine were increased while the dosage of dopamine was reduced (P<0.05). There was no statistical significance in terms of the differences of positive fluid balance quantity and the dosage of dopamine and dobutamine in the two groups at the 48th h of treatment (P>0.05). There was also no statistical significance in terms of the differences of CVP, MAP and urine volume in the two groups (P>0.05). In conclusion, under the monitoring and guidance of the PiCCO technique, EGDT treatment should be applied to septic shock patients together with early fluid resuscitation and positive inotropic drugs instead of using only vasoconstriction drug, which cause elevation of blood pressure.