Skin microcirculatory examination during septic shock

Over the two past decades, advances have been made in the understanding of severe infections. Microcirculatory abnormalities have been identified as the major cause of tissue hypoperfusion and organ failure leading to death. Therefore, developing tools to assess the microcirculatory function at the bedside appears mandatory. Measurements of skin temperature, skin capillary refill time, and more recently, extent of mottling represent informative tools to evaluate microcirculation during septic shock.