Abstract:Objective To analyze the correlation between transcutaneous oxygen pressure (PtcO2) related variables and the classical oxygen metabolism variables before and after resuscitation in patients with septic shock. Methods Forty patients with septic shock were prospectively investigated. PtcO2 was continuously monitored for 6 hours, and oxygen challenge test (OCT), arterial blood gas analysis, and central venous blood gas analysis were performed at 0h and 6h. The correlation between PtcO2 related variables (PtcO2 value and OCT value) and lactate clearance rate and central venous oxygen saturation (ScvO2) were analyzed respectively. Results After 6 h, PtcO2 value and ΔPtcO2 (6 h PtcO2 value to 0 h PtcO2 value) were positively correlated with lactate clearance rate (r = 0.386 and 0.555, P < 0.05). The positive correlation was also proved between ΔPtcO2 and ΔScvO2 (6 h ScvO2 to 0 h ScvO2) (r =0.377, P < 0.05), ΔOCT (6 h OCT value to 0 h OCT value) and ΔScvO2 (r = 0.372, P < 0.05), respectively. There were significant differences in lactate clearance, 6 h ScvO2, and norepinephrine requirement between the two groups with different changes of PtcO2 after 6 hours of resuscitation (P < 0.05). There was also a significant difference in lactate clearance between the two groups with different OCT improvements (P < 0.05). Conclusion Changes in PtcO2 and OCT before and after resuscitation were related to lactate clearance and changes in ScvO2, which may be used to assess the effectiveness of resuscitation.