Physiological status monitoring with shock indices: context and precision equally matter!

We read with interest the recent article by Gupta and Alam highlighting a superior performance of shock index (SI=Heart rate (HR)/systolic blood pressure (SBP)) paediatric age-adjusted (SIPA) compared to the isolated performance of conventional haemodynamic parameters, in predicting higher degree of support (vasopressor requirement and mechanical ventilation) and early mortality in a septic cohort of 116 children [1]. While the study attributes such as a prospective design, use of age-specific SI cut-offs and an outcome centric approach are noteworthy, additional points mandate elucidation for a holistic comprehension of the SI application precise to the clinical context.
Source: The American Journal of Emergency Medicine - Category: Emergency Medicine Authors: Source Type: research