Severe sepsis and septic shock are associated with high morbidity and mortality, due to multiple organ dysfunction syndrome. Substantial clinical and animal evidences indicate that the mesenteric circulatory bed, particularly the gut mucosa, is highly vulnerable to reductions in oxygen supply and prone to early injury in the course of hemodynamic changes. We have presented our experience with gas tonometry in experimental models of trauma, shock and complex surgical maneuvers 1 . We also analyzed the concepts of the tonometric method and how PCO 2 is a marker of blood flow and tissue hypoxia. 1 In the present issue, we further analyze the role of gas tonometry in experimental and clinical sepsis and septic shock.
Pathophysiology of tissue hypercarbia in sepsisThere are many reasons for the development of gastric mucosal hypercarbia in septic patients. Metabo-1. Studies performed at