Usefulness of venous-to-arterial partial pressure of CO 2 difference to assess oxygen supply to demand adequacy: effects of dobutamine

Shock is defined as an imbalance between oxygen delivery (DO2) and O2 demand. O2 derived parameters have been historically used as reflections of the state of organ perfusion and as targets for resuscitation (1). While such parameters, including the mixed venous oxygen saturation (SVO2) and lactic acid levels, have great clinical information, studies have shown that they fail to fully describe the clinical picture and can be deficient when assisting the clinician in deciding on the next therapeutic step (2-6). In the following review, we will address the clinical utility of integrating venous-to-arterial partial pressure of CO2 (PCO2) difference (ΔPCO2) in patients in septic shock receiving dobutamine