Abstract

OBJECTIVES Capillary refill time is an important diagnostic adjunct in the acute resuscitation phase of the shocked child. This study assesses its relation to commonly measured haemodynamic parameters in the postresuscitation phase when the child has reached the intensive care unit, and compares this with core–peripheral temperature gap.

METHODS Ninety standardised measurements of capillary refill time were made on 55 patients, who were divided into postcardiac surgery (n = 27), and general (n = 28), most of whom had septic shock (n = 24). A normal capillary refill time was defined as ⩽ 2 seconds. Measured haemodynamic variables included: cardiac index, central venous pressure, systemic vascular resistance index, stroke volume index (SVI), and blood lactate. Seventy measurements were made on patients while being treated with inotropes or vasodilators.

RESULTS Capillary refill time and temperature gap both correlated poorly with all haemodynamic variables among postcardiac surgery children. For general patients, capillary refill time was related to SVI and lactate; temperature gap correlated poorly with all variables. General patients with a prolonged capillary refill time had a lower median SVI (28v 38 ml/m²) but not a higher lactate (1.7 v 1.1 mmol/l). A capillary refill time of ⩾ 6 seconds had the best predictive value for a reduced SVI.

CONCLUSION Among ventilated, general intensive care patients, capillary refill time is related weakly to blood lactate and SVI. A normal value for capillary refill time of ⩽ 2 seconds has little predictive value and might be too conservative for this population; septic shock