Changes in peripheral perfusion relate to visceral organ perfusion in early septic shock: A pilot study

To correlate clinical indicators of peripheral perfusion with visceral organ vascular tone in 30 septic shock patients.

In a prospective pilot study, capillary refill time, the Mottling score, and peripheral temperature were determined within 24, 48, and 72 hours after intensive care unit admission. Simultaneously, pulsatility indices in the liver, spleen, kidneys, and intestines were measured by Doppler ultrasonography. Correlation analyses were calculated, applying an adjusted significance level (P< .0125) to correct for multiple testing.

Significant relationships were observed between the pulsatility index of selected organs and the capillary refill time (intestines: r= 0.325, P= .007), and the Mottling score (kidneys: r= 0.396, P= .006), but not peripheral temperature (all r< 0.14, P> .05). An association over time was observed for the capillary refill time and pulsatility index of the liver (P= .04) and intestines (P= .03) as well as for the Mottling score and the kidneys' pulsatility index (P= .03), but not for peripheral temperature and any visceral organs' pulsatility index.

Capillary refill time and skin mottling may be correlated with the pulsatility index, a sonographic surrogate of vascular tone, of visceral organs in early septic shock.