scholarly journals Echocardiographic Assessment of Preload Responsiveness in Critically Ill Patients

2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexander Levitov ◽  
Paul E. Marik

Fluid challenges are considered the cornerstone of resuscitation in critically ill patients. However, clinical studies have demonstrated that only about 50% of hemodynamically unstable patients are volume responsive. Furthermore, increasing evidence suggests that excess fluid resuscitation is associated with increased mortality. It therefore becomes vital to assess a patient's fluid responsiveness prior to embarking on fluid loading. Static pressure (CVP, PAOP) and echocardiographic (IVC diameter, LVEDA) parameters fails to predict volume responsiveness. However, a number of dynamic echocardiographic parameters which are based on changes in vena-caval dimensions or cardiac function induce by positive pressure ventilation or passive leg raising appear to be highly predictive of volume responsiveness.

Critical Care ◽  
10.1186/cc399 ◽  
1999 ◽  
Vol 3 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. P024
Author(s):  
R Urbino ◽  
C Antro ◽  
S Pivetti ◽  
B Tartaglino ◽  
MG Gregoretti ◽  
...  

Author(s):  
Yasotha Rajeswaran ◽  
Brooke Hill ◽  
Anthony Gemignani ◽  
Scott Friedman ◽  
Robert Palac ◽  
...  

Background: There is increasing concern regarding the value and cost of using transthoracic echocardiograms (TTEs) to assess volume status in critically ill patients. Using clinical and echocardiographic parameters, we assessed whether TTE changed clinical management of patients in the intensive care unit (ICU). Methods: Using the Dartmouth-Hitchcock echocardiography database, we identified 218 ICU patients whose TTE was performed to assess volume status from 4/1/11 to 3/31/14. The following TTE parameters were assessed: left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), diastolic function parameters, left atrial size, significant valvular disease, pericardial effusion, inferior vena cava (IVC) size and collapsibility, right ventricular (RV) function and pulmonary artery systolic pressure. In addition, clinical data were collected from review of the medical record including: age, vitals, intubation status, labs, and management change after TTE results became available. Results: Of the 218 patients, cardiac tamponade was present in 6 patients and right heart strain suggestive of pulmonary embolus was present in 2 patients. Of the remaining 210 patients, TTE did not affect clinical management in 186 (88.6%), led to administration of diuretics in 8 (3.8%), and intravenous fluids in 16 (7.6%). Of the 218 total patients, 123 (56.4%) were intubated. Compared to non-intubated patients, intubated patients were more likely to have elevated right atrial pressure, RV dysfunction, IVC size and collapsibility index (p<0.05). There was no difference in the severity of pulmonary hypertension, LVEF, or indices of elevated left ventricular filling pressure (p=NS). Although the echo parameters were different, the decision by physicians to administer intravenous fluids or diuretics was similar for both groups (p=NS). Conclusions: Transthoracic echocardiogram is commonly ordered to assess volume status in the ICU. The use of echocardiographic parameters to assess volume status did not change clinical management in majority of patients and should be used with caution in this cohort. Continued investigation to identify the best modality to assess volume status in critically ill patients is warranted.


2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kenichi Nitta ◽  
Kazufumi Okamoto ◽  
Hiroshi Imamura ◽  
Katsunori Mochizuki ◽  
Hiroshi Takayama ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Ventilator weaning protocols have been shown to reduce the duration of mechanical ventilation (MV), intensive care unit length of stay, and resource use. However, weaning protocols have not significantly affected mortality or reintubation rates. The extubation process is a critical component of respiratory care in patients who receive MV. Post-extubation respiratory failure (PERF) is a common event associated with significant morbidity and mortality. We hypothesized that a comprehensive protocol for ventilator weaning and extubation would be effective for preventing PERF and reintubation and reducing mortality in critically ill patients. Methods A ventilator weaning and extubation protocol was developed. The protocol consisted of checklists across four evaluations: spontaneous breathing trial, extubation, prophylactic non-invasive positive pressure ventilation (NPPV), and evaluation after extubation. Observational data were collected after implementing the protocol in patients admitted to the Advanced Emergency and Critical Care Center of Shinshu University Hospital. Not only outcomes of patients but also influences of each component of the protocol on the clinical decision-making process were investigated. Further, a comparison between PERF and non-PERF patients was performed. Results A total of 464 consecutive patients received MV for more than 48 h, and 248 (77 women; mean age, 65 ± 17 years) were deemed eligible. The overall PERF and reintubation rates were 9.7% and 5.2%, respectively. Overall, 54.1% of patients with PERF received reintubation. Hospital stay and mortality were not significantly different between PERF and non-PERF patients (p = 0.16 and 0.057, respectively). As a result, the 28-day and hospital mortality were 1.2% and 6.9%, respectively. Conclusions We found that the rates of PERF, reintubation, and hospital mortality were lower than those in previous reports even with nearly the same degree of severity at extubation. The comprehensive protocol for ventilator weaning and extubation may prevent PERF and reintubation and reduce mortality in critically ill patients.


Author(s):  
Karthik Raghunathan ◽  
Andrew Shaw

‘Crystalloid’ refers to solutions of crystalline substances that can pass through a semipermeable membrane and are distributed widely in body fluid compartments. The conventional Starling model predicts transvascular exchange based on the net balance of opposing hydrostatic and oncotic forces. Based on this model, colloids might be considered superior resuscitative fluids. However, observations of fluid behaviour during critical illness are not consistent with such predictions. Large randomized controlled studies have consistently found that colloids offer no survival advantage relative to crystalloids in critically-ill patients. A revised Starling model describes a central role for the endothelial glycocalyx in determining fluid disposition. This model supports crystalloid utilization in most critical care settings where the endothelial surface layer is disrupted and lower capillary pressures (hypovolaemia) make volume expansion with crystalloids effective, since transvascular filtration decreases, intravascular retention increases and clearance is significantly reduced. There are important negative consequences of both inadequate and excessive crystalloid resuscitation. Precise dosing may be titrated based on functional measures of preload responsiveness like pulse pressure variation or responses to manoeuvres such as passive leg raising. Crystalloids have variable electrolyte concentrations, volumes of distribution, and, consequently variable effects on plasma pH. Choosing balanced crystalloid solutions for resuscitation may be potentially advantageous versus ‘normal’ (isotonic, 0.9%) saline solutions. When used as the primary fluid for resuscitation, saline solutions may have adverse effects in critically-ill patients secondary to a reduction in the strong ion difference and hyperchloraemic, metabolic acidosis. Significant negative effects on immune and renal function may result as well.


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