The Effect Of Resuscitation Guided By Two Different Dynamic Parameters On Time To Normalization Of The Capillary Refill Time In Adult Patients With Septic Shock, A Randomized Controlled Prospective Study

Capillary refill time will be measured by applying firm pressure to the ventral surface of the right index finger distal phalanx with a glass microscope slide. The pressure will be increased until the skin is blank and then maintained for 10 seconds. The time for return of the normal skin color will be registered with a chronometer. A CRT > 3 seconds will be considered abnormal.

Patients with normal CRT at baseline will proceed to periodic monitoring (every hour/6 hours) and start the algorithm if CRT becomes abnormal at any of these timepoints. Patients with abnormal CRT will follow the loop when fulfilling the Sepsis-3 definition of septic shock.

Sepsis time 0 is defined as the time of admission to the ICU for sepsis treatment upon the inclusion criteria. For patients already in the ICU, sepsis time 0 is considered the earliest time at which the patients satisfy the inclusion criteria.

Fluid responsiveness FR will be assessed using a structured approach. Dynamic predictors of FR will be evaluated depending on the individual status, i.e., considering if under MV or spontaneous breathing, Vt, respiratory rate (RR), respiratory system compliance and the presence of arrhythmias.

Passive leg raise PLR is performed by tilting a patient from a 45-degree semi-recumbent head-up position to a 30-45° degree leg-up position or by lifting the legs passively from the horizontal position. This maneuver transfers up to 300 mL of blood from the lower limbs and the splanchnic territory into the intrathoracic compartment and induces significant changes in cardiac preload, mean systemic pressure and the upstream pressure of systemic venous return. It is reliable and can be implemented in either spontaneously breathing or mechanically ventilated patients and can often be repeated. A method that has been recommended by the Surviving Sepsis Campaign, and is appraised by the European Society of Intensive Care Medicine.