Blood products and inotropes
The third resuscitation endpoint for the treatment of SS/SS is a
SCVO2 of at least 70%, as a measure of the balance between
tissue oxygen delivery and consumption. There are several
causes of low central venous oxygen saturations (SCVO2
< 70%) in septic patients who have achieved adequate
fluid resuscitation and adequate blood pressure. This may be
due to metabolically active tissue, arterial hypoxaemia, low
oxygen carrying capacity, or decreased cardiac output. The
degree of oxygen delivery can be improved by the transfusion
of packed red blood cells.21
Red blood cells should be transfused to a target haemoglobin
concentration of 7–9 g/dL.8 This differs from the Rivers
study, which used a threshold haematocrit of 30%.21 However,
while the optimal haemoglobin concentration in sepsis is not
specifically known, results from the Transfusion Requirements
in Critical Care trial did not demonstrate increased mortality
when using a haemoglobin count of 7–9 g/dL compared to
10–12 g/dL.38 Routine administration of fresh frozen plasma
to correct a coagulopathy should be avoided unless there is
active bleeding or a planned invasive procedure. Platelets
should be transfused below 5000/mm3 even in the absence of
bleeding, and may be considered between 5000 and 30,000/
mm3 if there is a significant risk of bleeding. If the platelet count
is 50,000/mm3 or above then transfusion should only take place
in the setting of planned surgery or invasive procedures.8
If ScvO2 is less than 70% despite an appropriate haemoglobin
level (above), inotropic agents may be administered to