Evaluating tissue oxygenation at the bedside: global, regional, or both?

Early recognition of tissue hypoperfusion, and monitoring tissue response to resuscitation interventions, are key points in the management of critically ill patients. In the present issue of J Clin Monit Comput, Dr. Koch and coworkers present the results of a study evaluating regional and global markers of tissue perfusion in a population of septic shock patients. We propose an integrative approach to tissue perfusion assessment, where combining both, global and regional variables, might account for a better understanding of tissue oxygenation status, and might prove useful for septic shock patients' management.