The safety of the sepsis fluid bolus for patients at increased risk of volume overload

Sepsis, caused by a dysregulated host response to infection, is a significant cause of mortality and morbidity affecting millions annually and killing one in four afflicted [1]. Guidelines recommend rapid intravenous (IV) fluid resuscitation of at least 30  mL/kg in septic patients in order to improve outcomes [1]. Many hospitals consider this intervention a core measure for which adherence is tracked. However, since fluid overload increases the risk of intubation [2], physicians are wary to aggressively fluid-resuscitate septic patients who are at risk of fluid-overload – namely, patients with congestive heart failure (CHF) or end-stage renal disease (ESRD).
Source: The American Journal of Emergency Medicine - Category: Emergency Medicine Authors: Source Type: research