Prognostic value of venous-to-arterial pressure difference of CO₂ in patients with septic shock.

Aim of the study: to assess prognostic value of veno-to-arterial carbon dioxide difference (∆PCO₂) in patients with septic shock. Objectives: 1. To research correlation between ∆PCO₂ and systemic hemodynamic parameters and also arterial blood lactate concentration. 2.To research correlation between ∆PCO₂ and duration of treatment in ICU as well as hospital mortality. Methods: In these observational study values of arterial and venous blood gas, values of oximetry, values of metabolites and the acid-base balance was determined using arterial blood gas analyser. General data and laboratory test results of the patients were obtained from their medical charts. Participants of the study: 22 patients with septic shock, admitted to Lithuanian University of Health Sciences Kaunas Clinics Trauma Centre Intensive Care Unit. Results: The study included 22 patients (12 women and 10 men), with median age of 73 years. Due to the small sample size, the median and interquartile ranges (IQR) were used in the descriptive statistical analysis. We found a significant (r = 0,838 p < 0, 0002) correlation of ∆PCO₂ and arterial blood lactate concentration, The Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (r = 0,628, p < 0,002) and severity of disease (r = 0,623, p <0,002). We analysed the data for a possible correlation between ∆PCO₂ and MAP, pulse pressure, heart rate, mortality and duration of hospitalization but the association was not significant; MAP (r = 0,037, p <0.869), pulse pressure (r = -0,239, p <0.284), heart rate (r = 0,062, p