The assessment of intravascular volume

Abstract

There are numerous reasons for the accurate assessment of intravascular fluid volume status. Some of the most often cited are: concerns regarding urine output, considerations for organ and tissue perfusion or even a desire for optimising fluid status, per se. Most practitioners agree that an underlying theme is the goal of attaining optimal cardiac output, either in the surgical setting or in intensive care. Intravenous fluid loading is often used as first line therapy for patients with hypotension or circulatory failure, but cardiac output responds positively after fluid challenge in only half the patients. For the remainder of patients fluid loading may be associated with adverse consequences.