Relation between mixed venous and central venous saturation in sepsis: influence of source of sepsis

Introduction

There remains controversy concerning the use of central venous oxygen saturation (ScvO₂) or mixed venous oxygen saturation (SvO₂) as a marker for resuscitation, including their interchangeability [1, 2]. We tested the hypothesis that in sepsis ScvO₂ does not reliably predict SvO₂, independent of the sepsis origin.

Methods

We determined ScvO₂ and SvO₂ in a group of patients with sepsis in 6-hour intervals during the first 24 hours after acute admission.

Results

Data of 29 septic patients were collected: 10 patients with abdominal sepsis and 19 patients with other sources of sepsis (nonabdominal group) (Table 1). Univariate analysis from the total population and both groups separately did not show any parameter (cardiac output, cardiac index, dopamine, nor-epinephrine, arterial saturation, hemoglobin, hematocrit and lactate) affecting Δ(ScvO₂ - SvO₂). See Figure 1.

Table 1 Baseline characteristics and delta values

Figure 1

abstract P226

Conclusion

We conclude that in sepsis ScvO₂ does not reliably predict SvO₂, independent of the sepsis origin. The difference between ScvO₂ and SvO₂ in sepsis appears not to be a fixed one. Also, this difference seems independent of several hemodynamic parameters.