Abstract

: Background: The initial hemodynamic goal during septic shock resuscitation is to achieve a mean arterial pressure (MAP) above 65?mm Hg, although this does not assure a normal tissue perfusion. Capillary refill time (CRT), a marker of skin blood flow, has been validated as a marker of the reperfusion process. The aim of the study was to explore the relationship between MAP and CRT in patients in septic shock. Methods: We systematically reviewed studies which reported CRT and MAP in septic shock patients. Authors of eligible studies were asked to provide necessary data for performing a meta-correlation of Spearman's rank correlation coefficients. Subgroup analyses were performed, including studies of good quality and studies with higher/lower norepinephrine doses. Results: We identified 10 studies, comprising 917 patients. There were 5 studies considered to be of good quality. A meta-correlation showed a statistically significant but poor negative correlation between MAP and CRT (R = ?0.158, range ?0.221 to ?0.093, P <.001, I2 = 0.0%). Subgroup analysis of best-quality studies gave similar results (R = ?0.201, range ?0.282 to ?0.116, P <.001, I2 = 0.0%). In subanalysis concerning norepinephrine doses, no significant correlations were found. Conclusions: In patients with septic shock, there is poor inverse correlation between MAP and CRT. MAP > 65?mm Hg does not guarantee normalization of CRT. Registration code: PROSPERO: CRD42022355996. Registered on 5 September 2022. © The Author(s) 2023.