Hypovolaemia

Publication date: Available online 13 November 2018Source: Anaesthesia & Intensive Care MedicineAuthor(s): Sally K. El-Ghazali, C. Stephanie CattlinAbstractHypovolaemia is defined as inadequate filling of the circulation and can be divided into absolute and relative hypovolaemia. The total body water accounts for 60% of a patient's body composition and is subdivided into extracellular and intracellular fluid compartments. The critical loss appears to be about 30% of the blood volume (1500–2000 ml). In order to limit the physiological effects of hypovolaemia, there are changes within the cardiovascular, renal and haematological systems to help minimize ongoing losses. The history and physical examination may give an indication that a patient is hypovolaemic. However, clinical signs may be a late manifestation of hypovolaemia as up to 15% of the blood volume can be lost before signs and symptoms are evident. It is of vital importance to measure fluid responsiveness in hypovolaemic patients to ensure patients are adequately resuscitated.
Source: Anaesthesia and intensive care medicine - Category: Anesthesiology Source Type: research