Cateterización venosa suprahepática en cuatro casos de shock séptico severo: Report of four cases Suprahepatic vein oxygen saturation monitoring and gastric tonometry in the management of severe septic shock

Splanchnic hypoperfusion, with pathogenic implications for multiple organ failure, can occur during septic shock. We report four patients with septic shock in whom regional hepatosplenic splanchnic perfusion was monitored through suprahepatic vein catheterization and gastric tonometry. Suprahepatic lactate and oxygen saturation showed splanchnic hypoperfusion in all patients. These parameters improved only in the patient that survived. Gastric tonometry was more inconsistent. We conclude that suprahepatic vein catheterization could have a role in the management of septic shock. ( Rev Méd Chile 2001; 129: 552-5)