Value of peripheral tissue oxygen tension in animal experimental models of haemorrhagic and septic shock

Current clinical parameters on efficiency of resuscitation are often insufficient, and unable to reliably assess tissue hypoxia. Considerable interest has been aimed to direct monitoring of tissue oxygen tension (ptO2). However, no golden standard has yet been found. Animal experimental models have shown interesting results in hypovolemic and septic shock and have lead to some interesting clinical studies. The purpose of this review is to evaluate the current value of ptO2 monitoring in animal experimental studies under various pathophysiological conditions.