Real-time point of care microcirculatory assessment of shock: design, rationale and application of the point of care microcirculation (POEM) tool

Table 1 Point of care microcirculation (POEM) grade and corresponding definitions

POEM score	Microcirculatory function
5	Normal flow^a, with no heterogeneity^d
4	Normal flow^a, with mild heterogeneity^e
3	Normal flow^a, with marked heterogeneity^f
2	Impaired flow^b (heterogeneity is also present)
1	Critically impaired flow^c (heterogeneity is also present)

^aLess than 25 % of vessel segments in view are sluggish/stopped; ^b25–50 % of vessel segments in view are sluggish/stopped; ^cmore than 50 % of vessel segments in view are sluggish/stopped;
^d0 or 1 clips have heterogeneity present; ^e2 or 3 clips have heterogeneity present; ^fall 4 clips have heterogeneity present

ISSN: 1364-8535