Gastric tonometry as a prognostic index of mortality in sepsis

Background: Splanchnic hypoperfusion in sepsis leads to translocation of bacteria from gut and development of multi-organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS), with increased mortality in critically ill patients. Gastric tonometry can detect this hypoperfusion by measuring carbon dioxide tension (PgCO₂) and intramucosal pH (pHi) from gastric mucosa. Therapeutic intervention aimed at improving gut perfusion can improve the outcome and prognosticate the mortality in sepsis patients.