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Colloids versus crystalloids as priming solutions for cardiopulmonary bypass: a meta-analysis of prospective, randomised clinical trials.

Using Cochrane methodology a review was performed of prospective randomized clinical trials comparing colloidal pump priming solutions for cardiopulmonary bypass. Dextrans were not considered. Database searches from 1966 through December 2002 delivered 265 articles. Seventeen studies finally met the eligibility criteria involving 997 patients. Summary odds ratio estimates from the 5 studies reporting mortality were 1.46 (n = 326; 95%-Confidence-Interval: .55 to 3.85; p = .49) for crystalloids against colloids and .74 (n = 150; 95%-Confidence-Interval: .17 to 3.36; p = .49) for albumin versus synthetic colloids. Most commonly used outcome measures further included postoperative blood loss, platelet-count, fluid-balance and, colloid osmotic pressures from which Standardized Mean Differences (SMD) and their 95%-Confidence-Interval (95%CI) were extracted. Colloids produced significantly higher oncotic pressures and less positive fluid-balances. Although across 9 studies postoperative bleeding between colloids and crystalloids did not differ (n = 663; SMD: -.03, 95%CI: -.18 to .12; p = .69), platelet counts significantly favoured crystalloids (n = 465; SMD: -.42; 95%CI: -.68 to -.16; p = .00). However, compared to albumin platelet counts were significantly disfavoured only by starches (n = 321; SMD: -.55; 95%CI: -.77 to -.32; p = .00). To conclude, using mere crystalloids produced more pronounced positive fluid balances and their avoidance as a single pump-prime component can be suggested. Since albumin is not necessarily associated with better outcomes and is more expensive, it is hard to continue its use. However, there is still insufficient evidence available to allow definitive conclusions.

Cardiopulmonary Bypass↗

Surviving Sepsis Campaign guidelines for management of severe sepsis and septic shock.

OBJECTIVE: In 2003, critical care and infectious disease experts representing 11 international organizations developed management guidelines for severe sepsis and septic shock that would be of practical use for the bedside clinician, under the auspices of the Surviving Sepsis Campaign, an international effort to increase awareness and improve outcome in severe sepsis. DESIGN: The process included a modified Delphi method, a consensus conference, several subsequent smaller meetings of subgroups and key individuals, teleconferences, and electronic-based discussion among subgroups and among the entire committee. METHODS: We used a modified Delphi methodology for grading recommendations, built on a 2001 publication sponsored by the International Sepsis Forum. We undertook a systematic review of the literature graded along five levels to create recommendation grades from A to E, with A being the highest grade. Pediatric considerations were provided to contrast adult and pediatric management. RESULTS: Key recommendations, listed by category and not by hierarchy, include early goal-directed resuscitation of the septic patient during the first 6 hrs after recognition; appropriate diagnostic studies to ascertain causative organisms before starting antibiotics; early administration of broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy; reassessment of antibiotic therapy with microbiology and clinical data to narrow coverage, when appropriate; a usual 7-10 days of antibiotic therapy guided by clinical response; source control with attention to the method that balances risks and benefits; equivalence of crystalloid and colloid resuscitation; aggressive fluid challenge to restore mean circulating filling pressure; vasopressor preference for norepinephrine and dopamine; cautious use of vasopressin pending further studies; avoiding low-dose dopamine administration for renal protection; consideration of dobutamine inotropic therapy in some clinical situations; avoidance of supranormal oxygen delivery as a goal of therapy; stress-dose steroid therapy for septic shock; use of recombinant activated protein C in patients with severe sepsis and high risk for death; with resolution of tissue hypoperfusion and in the absence of coronary artery disease or acute hemorrhage, targeting a hemoglobin of 7-9 g/dL; appropriate use of fresh frozen plasma and platelets; a low tidal volume and limitation of inspiratory plateau pressure strategy for acute lung injury and acute respiratory distress syndrome; application of a minimal amount of positive end-expiratory pressure in acute lung injury/acute respiratory distress syndrome; a semirecumbent bed position unless contraindicated; protocols for weaning and sedation/analgesia, using either intermittent bolus sedation or continuous infusion sedation with daily interruptions/lightening; avoidance of neuromuscular blockers, if at all possible; maintenance of blood glucose <150 mg/dL after initial stabilization; equivalence of continuous veno-veno hemofiltration and intermittent hemodialysis; lack of utility of bicarbonate use for pH > or =7.15; use of deep vein thrombosis/stress ulcer prophylaxis; and consideration of limitation of support where appropriate. Pediatric considerations included a more likely need for intubation due to low functional residual capacity; more difficult intravenous access; fluid resuscitation based on weight with 40-60 mL/kg or higher needed; decreased cardiac output and increased systemic vascular resistance as the most common hemodynamic profile; greater use of physical examination therapeutic end points; unsettled issue of high-dose steroids for therapy of septic shock; and greater risk of hypoglycemia with aggressive glucose control. CONCLUSION: Evidence-based recommendations can be made regarding many aspects of the acute management of sepsis and septic shock that are hoped to translate into improved outcomes for the critically ill patient. The impact of these guidelines will be formally tested and guidelines updated annually and even more rapidly as some important new knowledge becomes as available.

Adult↗

[Effects of warm blood and clot crystalloid cardioplegia on the heart rate variability of canine].

The objectives of this study were to explore the mechanisms of cardiac autonomic system (CAS) impairment and to assess whether warm blood cardioplegia can prevent the decrease of heart rate variability (HRV) after CPB. Twelve adult mongrel dogs were divided into two groups. One group received warm blood cardioplegia and maintained at a systemic temperature of 38 degrees C throughout the experiment (WB group). The other received cold crystalloid cardioplegia at 31 degrees C and topical hypothermia (CC group). Anesthesia was induced and maintained with sodium pentobarbital and isoflurane. The heart was exposed through a right thorectomy. CPB was established using a single right atrial cannula. The arterial cannula was placed in the right femoral artery. The crossclamp time for both groups was 30 minutes. Serum potassium levels were normalized throughout the study. Each animal's ECG was continuously recorded for 24 hours before surgery and for the first five postoperative days (POD) using a two-channel Holter monitor. The data were analyzed for heart rate variability (TP = total power, 0.01-1.00; LF = low frequency, 0.04-0.15; HF = high frequency, 0.15-0.40; LF/HF). There were no differences in the preoperative values. In both groups the TP, LF, and HF decreased, compared to control (P < 0.05), with CC group having significantly lower TP, LF and HF than the WB group (P < 0.05). The LF/HF did not change both between groups and between before- and after-CPB in each group (P > 0.05). The mean heart rate at 24 hours (MHR) increased in both groups, compared to control (P < 0.05), with CC group having a significantly higher MHR than WB group (P < 0.05). The data suggest that CPB, with warm blood or cold crystalloid cardioplegia does not disturb the balance of CAS, but it causes the decrease of HRV, and warm blood cardioplegia can not prevent the impairment of HRV.

Animals↗

Volume substitution in shock.

Shock treatment seems optimal when a "balanced" fluid and volume regimen, including both crystalloid (Ringer's acetate) and about 3% colloid, is used. Dextran is the colloid of choice due to its beneficial effects on plasma volume, hemorheology, and microvascular blood flow. Dextrans exert, in addition, inhibiting effects on the shock- and trauma-induced activation of the cascade system, whereby the risk of complications in the form of multiple organ failure is reduced. Infusion of red blood cells, plasma or thrombocytes should be based on a proper assessment of each individual patient's actual need of oxygen transporters and coagulation factors.

Biological Transport↗

Indwelling cecal catheters for fluid administration in ponies.

Two different fluid solutions were infused through percutaneous cecal catheters in 6 healthy ponies to determine the effects on body weight; CBC; packed cell volume (PCV); total plasma protein concentration; plasma fibrinogen concentration; abdominal fluid analysis; concentrations of blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum creatinine, Ca, total CO2 (TCO2), Na, Cl, K, and P; and fractional clearance (FC) of Na, Cl, K, and P. During intracecal administration of solution 1, FCNa and FCCl were significantly increased, whereas FCK and BUN were significantly decreased. During administration of solution 2, FCNa and serum P were significantly increased, while PCV was significantly decreased. All ponies developed peritonitis during the study. Complications included catheter-related problems, diarrhea, laminitis, and hypocalcemia. We concluded that hydration and electrolyte balance could be maintained by administration of crystalloid solutions intracecally, but that complications were associated with the procedure.

Animals↗

The combination of mannitol and albumin in the priming solution reduces positive intraoperative fluid balance during cardiopulmonary bypass.

During cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) an adequate reservoir volume is maintained by the addition of crystalloid, colloid or packed cells to the reservoir. This volume contributes to the overall perioperative positive fluid balance. We studied the effect of the preoperative addition of either 75 g albumin, or 50 g mannitol followed by 50 g at commencement of rewarming or both of the above to a bypass circuit prime of lactated Ringer's solution (LR) on intraoperative fluid balance, postoperative indices of oxygenation and time to extubation. The study was a prospective, randomized, single-blinded controlled trial of 103 patients undergoing cardiac surgery requiring CPB. There was a large and highly significant reduction in volume of fluid added to the reservoir during CPB (2137 +/- 1499 ml versus 144 +/- 230 ml), the fluid balance during bypass, including prime volume (3236 +/- 650 ml versus 5876 +/- 1465 ml), and perioperative fluid balance (4470 +/- 936 ml versus 7023 +/- 1760 ml) in the group receiving both mannitol and albumin in the pump prime compared with the group receiving only lactated Ringer's solution. There were no differences between the groups with respect to both measured indices of oxygenation measured on return to ICU (alveolar-arterial oxygen tension difference (DA-aO2) or arterial oxygen tension to inspired oxygen fraction ratio (PaO2/FiO2), or time from ICU admission to extubation.

Aged↗

Postoperative fluid balance influences the need for antihypertensive therapy following coarctation repair.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the investigation was to determine the effect of fluid management on the need for perioperative antihypertensive therapy following coarctation repair. DESIGN: Retrospective case study. SETTING: Pediatric intensive care unit. PATIENTS: Infants and children with repaired coarctation. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Hypertension was defined as a systolic blood pressure exceeding the 95th percentile for age. Echocardiographic variables included pre- and postoperative coarctation gradients, shortening fraction, left ventricular wall stress, and velocity of circumferential shortening. Clinical variables included age, fluid input, urine output (0-72 hrs), estimated creatinine clearance, intensive care unit stay, and diuretic use. Twenty-four patients were identified and divided into two groups. Group 1 consisted of six normotensive patients (19%, 1 wk to 2 yrs) and group 2 included 18 patients (75%, 3 wks to 12 yrs) with hypertension who required antihypertensive therapy. Group 2 patients were older (37 months vs. 3 months), received more intraoperative fluid, had lower urine output with fewer patients receiving diuretics, had diuretic therapy started later, and had longer intensive care unit stays (p < .05). When compared with group 2, 83% of group 2 patients had a net positive fluid balance between 36 and 72 hrs postoperatively. There were no differences in mean pre-/postoperative coarctation gradients, systolic function, postoperative fluids, estimated creatinine clearance, or aortic cross-clamp time. Using logistic regression analysis, we found that variables independently associated with the need for antihypertensive therapy included intraoperative fluid volume, 48- to 72-hr urine output, a positive fluid balance, and the use and timing diuretic therapy (p < .05). Subgroup analysis of infants <1 yr of age revealed similar findings. CONCLUSION: A net positive fluid balance caused by either the volume of intraoperative crystalloid infusion or a lower urine output contributes to the development of paradoxic hypertension following coarctation repair regardless of patient age. Limiting intraoperative fluids and early diuretic use may limit the need for antihypertensive therapy and shorten the intensive care unit stay.

Aortic Coarctation↗

Single atriocaval cannulation is associated with increased incidence of hypercirculatory failure after cardiopulmonary bypass.

UNLABELLED: Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) can lead to hypercirculatory cardiac failure (HCF). Despite the activation of inflammatory mediators, the infusion of cardioplegic solution into the systemic circulation may result in decreased systemic vascular resistance and thus may cause HCF. The present prospective study was conducted to investigate in cardiac surgical patients the effects of single atrial versus bi-caval venous drainage and intraoperative hemofiltration on the incidence of HCF. METHODS AND RESULTS: 120 patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG) were randomized in 3 groups: A- single atrial cannulation; B- single atrial cannulation and intraoperative zero fluid balance hemofiltration; C- bi-caval cannulation. Myocardial protection was performed using cold crystalloid cardioplegia (Bretschneider's HTK) administrated into the aortic root and moderate hypothermia (32 degree C). Hemodynamics, fluid balance, vasoactive drugs, body temperature, and hemoglobin/hematocrit ratio were recorded during and up to 12 hours after surgery. We noted a significantly increased incidence of HCF in-group A (32%, n=13) and B (40%, n=16) when compared to group C (10%, n=4, p<0.05), with significantly increased requirements for vasoactive medication in patients developing HCF. CONCLUSION: The present study results demonstrate that single atrial cannulation is associated with a significantly higher incidence of HCF. This is presumably caused by infusion of cardioplegic solution into the systemic circulation.

Aged↗

Hydroxyethyl starch 120, dextran 70 and acetated Ringer's solution: hemodilution, albumin, colloid osmotic pressure and fluid balance following replacement of blood loss in pigs.

Twenty healthy pigs weighing 12-17 kg were anesthetized and the small intestines were exteriorized into saline-moistened gauze. During a 2-h period 4% of the animals' body weight was bled through an arterial cannula in six increments and replaced immediately by the fluid tested: hydroxyethyl starch 120 (HES, Plasmafusin, Orion Corp., Mw 120,000), dextran 70 (DEX) and Ringer's acetate (RA). The amount of fluid infused for replacement of blood loss was equal to the amount of blood withdrawn in the colloid groups but fourfold in the RA group. Five non-bled pigs served as controls. After the hemodilution the laparotomy was closed and the animals received only 5% dextrose (2 ml/kg/min) during a 5-h follow-up period. The synthetic colloids caused a more effective dilution of hemoglobin and albumin than did RA. The colloid osmotic pressure (COP) was well maintained by the plasma substitutes but decreased in the RA group to 64% of the initial values. A stable urinary output and no edema formation was found in the HES and DEX groups. The RA animals were unable to excrete the excess crystalloid, which resulted in a strikingly positive fluid balance persisting throughout the study. Thus, the synthetic colloids were superior to RA in expansion of the plasma volume, maintenance of the COP and prevention of fluid accumulation. The effect of the two colloids was similar except that COP was slightly better maintained during the follow-up period in animals which received HES 120.

Animals↗

An audit of fluid and heparin administration during interventional neuroradiologic procedures.

Vascular lesions of the brain such as aneurysms and arteriovenous malformations are increasingly being treated by radiologists. They use heparinized saline in pressurized bags to flush the catheter systems continuously. This fluid could have detrimental effects if the volume infused is high. Therefore, we measured the amount of heparinized saline used by radiologists and tried to assess its significance. Data were collected from the first 50 patients who underwent interventional treatment during September to December 2004. Fluid and heparin, administered by both the radiologists and anesthesiologists, were recorded in addition to demographics and postoperative complications. The mean age of patients was 49+/-14 years. The average volume of fluid given by the radiologists was 980+/-480 mL. The anesthesiologists administered an average of 1500 mL crystalloids and 650 mL of colloids. The overall fluid balance at the end of procedure was positive by 2122+/-947 mL. The amount of heparin administered by flush solution was a mean of 2500+/-1200 IU. The total amount of fluid administered had no relation to the development of vasospasm or infection. However, a statistically nonsignificant (P=0.15) 30% increase in total fluid administered to patients, who required postoperative mechanical ventilation, suggests that the relationship between fluid administration and postoperative mechanical ventilation should be investigated further in patients who undergo interventional neuroendovasular procedures. In conclusion, radiologists administer significant amount of fluid and heparin during interventional procedures. Routine recording and monitoring of all fluid and heparin administered is advisable in interventional neuroendovasular procedures. The relationship between fluid administration and postoperative mechanical ventilation should be investigated further in patients who undergo interventional neuroendovasular procedures.

Adult↗

Albumin versus crystalloid for pump priming in cardiac surgery: meta-analysis of controlled trials.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the effects of pump priming fluid choice on platelets, fluid balance, and clinical outcomes. DESIGN: Meta-analysis of controlled clinical trials. Primary endpoints were platelet counts, colloid oncotic pressure, on-bypass fluid balance, postoperative weight gain, and colloid usage. SETTING: Cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass. PATIENTS: Adult and pediatric patients undergoing cardiac surgery, including coronary artery bypass grafting, valve procedures, and correction of congenital cardiac anomalies. INTERVENTIONS: Extracorporeal circuit priming with either albumin or crystalloid. MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS: The meta-analysis included 21 controlled trials with 1,346 total patients. Albumin prime significantly reduced the on-bypass drop in platelet counts. The pooled weighted mean difference in platelet count drop with albumin versus crystalloid prime was -23.8 x 10(9)/L (confidence interval [CI], -42.8 to -4.7 x 10(9)/L). The colloid oncotic pressure decline was also smaller when albumin rather than crystalloid was used for priming, with a pooled weighted mean difference of -3.6 mm Hg (CI, -4.8 to -2.3 mmHg) during bypass and -2.0 mmHg (CI, -2.9 to -1.1 mmHg) after surgery. Albumin prime correspondingly reduced on-bypass positive fluid balance (-584 mL; CI, -819 to -348 mL) and postoperative weight gain (-1.0 kg; CI, -0.6 to -1.3 kg) compared with crystalloid. Postoperative colloid usage was lower with albumin than crystalloid prime (-612 mL; CI, -983 to -241 mL). CONCLUSIONS: Albumin prime better preserves platelet counts than crystalloid. Albumin also favorably influences colloid oncotic pressure, on-bypass positive fluid balance, postoperative weight gain, and colloid usage. The clinical significance of these observations merits further investigation.

Adult↗

Haemodynamic, acid-base and electrolyte changes during plasma replacement with hydroxyethyl starch or crystalloid solution in young pigs.

We investigated haemodynamic, acid-base and electrolyte changes during almost total plasma replacement with hydroxyethyl starch (HES) and physiological balanced electrolyte solution (PBE) by using a cell saver in ten young pigs. In the PBE group an additional 3550 (444) ml crystalloid solution [Mean (SD)] was infused over the course of the study in order to maintain pulmonary capillary wedge pressure. Plasma protein levels decreased in both groups and the colloid osmotic pressure increased in HES and decreased in PBE. At the end of the study, body weight [HES 10.4 (1), PBE 13.1 (1.4) kg, P < 0.01] and lactic acid concentration [HES 0.9 (0.3), PBE 2.9 (1. 3) mmol.l -1, P < 0.01] was higher and tissue oxygen delivery [HES 327 (22), PBE 89 (29) ml.min.m2, P < 0.01] was lower in the PBE group. There were only moderate acid-base changes in both groups, but at the end, anion gap was significant lower in HES. In conclusion, maintenance of colloid osmotic pressure close to the physiological range of infants seems to be advantageous during major paediatric surgery.

Acid-Base Equilibrium↗

Crystalloid vs. colloid resuscitation: is one better? A randomized clinical study.

The effects of hemodynamic resuscitation with protein-containing or balanced salt solution were studied prospectively in 29 patients undergoing abdominal aortic surgery. Blood loss was replaced with packed red cells and extracellular volume with either Ringer's Lactate (RL) or 5% albumin in Ringer's lactate (ALB). Fluids were given to maintain the pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP) equal to or within 5 torr above preoperative (PO) levels, the cardiac output (CO) equal to or greater than preoperative values, and the urine output at least 50 ml/hr. Serum colloid osmotic pressure (COP), CO, PCWP, the gradient between COP and PCWP (COP-PCWP), and intrapulmonary shunt (Qs/Qt) were measured PO, intraoperatively (IO), and daily for 3 days. The measured variables were similar PO in both groups. Operation time, estimated blood loss, and transfusions were similar. Total fluids received for resuscitation (day of operation) was 11.3 +/- 0.8 liters (RL) and 6.2 +/- 0.4 liters (ALB). Fluid balance at the end of resuscitation was 8.4 +/- 0.8 liters (RL) and 3.4 +/- 0.5 liters (ALB). Maximum decrease in COP was 40% (P less than 0.001) in the RL group and was insignificant in the ALB group. The COP-PCWP decreased from 11 +/- 1 to 2 +/- 1 in RL (P less than 0.001) and insignificantly in ALB. Qs/Qt increased slightly in both groups following operation but was not different between groups. Fluid balance, total fluid infused, sodium balance, total sodium infused, COP, or COP-PCWP did not significantly correlate with Qs/Qt. Two patients in the ALB group experienced pulmonary edema associated with normal COPs and elevated PCWPs. There were no cases of pulmonary edema associated with low COPs and normal PCWPs in the crystalloid group. These data seriously question the necessity to maintain COP by using protein-containing solutions during acute hemodynamic resuscitation. When titrated to physiological end points, even large volumes of balanced salt solutions are tolerated well.

Albumins↗

Fluid therapy and newer blood products.

A fluid therapy plan for a patient is developed prior to surgery and is designed to meet each patient's needs. The volume and type of fluid are dependent on the patient's physical status; the acid-base, fluid, and electrolyte status; the surgical procedure; and the expected losses occurring during the procedure. No one fluid regimen is ideal for all patients. All fluid regimens must be continually re-evaluated. A brief minor surgical procedure in a healthy surgical candidate requires little or no fluid administration. In cases of more extensive surgical procedures involving invasion of the abdomen or chest as well as in cases with trauma and major blood loss, much more volume and a specific balanced replacement fluid are required. Depending on the severity of the surgical case, administration rates of 5 to 15 mL/kg/h or greater of crystalloid may be required to maintain perfusion. These rates are merely guidelines, and resuscitation should continue until the desired end point is reached. Balanced replacement fluids may be used to replace blood loss at a ratio of 3:1 and are added to maintenance and replacement requirements. Blood loss of 20% to 25% of the calculated blood volume or hematocrit values less than 20% are indications for colloids or blood replacement at a ratio of 1:1. The optimal fluid therapy regimen for a patient may involve a combination of crystalloids as well as natural and synthetic colloids, using each type of fluid to obtain and maintain perfusion and oxygenation to the tissues.

Animals↗

Cardiopulmonary bypass with modified fluid gelatin and heparin-coated circuits.

We have assessed the efficacy of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) using normal colloid oncotic pressure (COP) in a randomized, controlled study of 20 patients undergoing elective coronary artery surgery using heparin-coated circuits. For CPB, we used either crystalloid priming 1650 ml (n = 10) or colloid priming 1650 ml (2.4% modified fluid gelatin, n = 10). While COP did not change during bypass in the colloid group, a decline was observed in the crystalloid group (P = 0.005). By the end of bypass, the decrease in COP compared with baseline (delta COP) was 8.5 (S.D. 1.1) mm Hg in the crystalloid group compared with 1.5 (2.1) mm Hg in the colloid group (P = 0.0001). delta COP correlated positively with fluid balance during bypass (r2 = 0.41, P = 0.002). Similar increments in complement factors C3b/c and C4b/c, tumour necrosis factor-alpha and neutrophil elastase, but not endotoxins, were found in both groups as indicators of a systemic inflammatory response. A clinical performance score composed of fluid balance, postoperative duration of intubation and the difference between rectal temperature and skin temperature was more favourable in patients treated with colloid priming (P = 0.03). Median postoperative hospital stay was 7 (range 5-16) days in the crystalloid group compared with 5 (4-8) days in the colloid group (P = 0.016). Regression analysis indicated that CPB time, fluid balance during operation and postoperative PO2/FlO2 ratio were independent factors that predicted postoperative hospital stay. From these preliminary results we conclude that in the absence of endotoxaemia, use of a normal COP during CPB with modified fluid gelatin in heparin-coated circuits resulted in an improved postoperative course an a reduction in hospital stay.

Aged↗

Pre-hospital fluid therapy in the critically injured patient--a clinical update.

Venous access and fluid therapy should still be considered to be essential elements of pre-hospital advanced life support (ALS) in the critically injured patient. Initiation of fluid therapy should be based on a clinical assessment, most importantly the presence, or otherwise, of a radial pulse. The goal in penetrating injury is to avoid hypovolaemic cardiac arrest during transport, but at the same time not to delay transport, or increase systolic blood pressure. The goal in blunt injury is to secure safe perfusion of the injured brain through an adequate cerebral perfusion pressure, which generally requires a systolic blood pressure well above 100 mmHg. Patients without severe brain injury tolerate lower blood pressures (hypotensive resuscitation). Importantly, using systolic blood pressure targets to titrate therapy is not as easy as it seems. Automated (oscillometric) blood pressure measurement devices frequently give erroneously high values. The concept of hypotensive resuscitation has not been validated in the few studies done in humans. Hence, the suggested targeted systolic blood pressures should only provide a mental framework for the decision-making. The ideal pre-hospital fluid regimen may be a combination of an initial hypertonic solution given as a 10-20 minutes infusion, followed by crystalloids and, in some cases, artificial colloids. This review is intended to help the clinician to balance the pros and cons of fluid therapy in the individual patient.

Blood Pressure↗

Total fluid balance during transurethral resection of the prostate.

All fluids given and recovered during and for 24 hours following transurethral resections of the prostate (TURP) in 35 elderly men were recorded and compared with the health status of the patient. The results show that irrigating fluid absorption and the choice of a crystalloid or a colloid solution for intravenous fluid supplementation were the most important factors governing the total fluid balance at the end of TURP as well as 2 hours later. At 24 hours after the operation, the absorption of irrigating fluid during TURP and the presence of cardiac disease promoted retention of fluid. Impaired kidney function and serum cortisol concentration did not, however, correlate with the fluid balance.

Aged↗