Fluid resuscitation

Fluid resuscitation is the administration of intravenous fluids to restore or support circulating blood volume and tissue perfusion. Its purpose and fluid choice depend on the cause of volume loss and the patient's clinical state.

Starling equation: A framework describing fluid movement across capillary walls through hydrostatic and oncotic pressure differences. It explains why infused fluid may expand plasma volume or move into interstitial tissue.
Hypovolemia: A reduction in circulating blood volume that can impair venous return and tissue perfusion. It is a common physiological problem fluid resuscitation aims to correct.
Crystalloid: An aqueous solution of small dissolved molecules that can cross capillary walls to varying degrees. Crystalloids are the usual first-line intravenous fluids for many resuscitation situations.
Septic shock: A life-threatening form of sepsis involving circulatory and cellular abnormalities with persistent hypotension. Initial fluids may support circulation, while repeated dosing requires reassessment for benefit and overload.
Pulmonary edema: Excess fluid in the lungs that impairs gas exchange. Excessive or poorly tolerated intravenous fluid can raise lung water and impair oxygenation.
Mean systemic filling pressure: The pressure that would exist throughout the systemic circulation if blood flow stopped and pressures equilibrated. Volume expansion can raise this pressure and increase the gradient driving venous return.
Shock: A state of inadequate tissue perfusion that threatens cellular function and organ survival. Fluid resuscitation is one possible treatment, depending on the cause of shock.
Colloid: An intravenous fluid containing larger molecules intended to remain in the circulation longer than crystalloids. Colloids offer a contrasting volume-expansion strategy, with benefits and risks that vary by product.
Hemorrhagic shock: Shock caused by acute blood loss that reduces circulating volume and oxygen-carrying capacity. Control of bleeding and blood products take priority over large-volume crystalloid replacement.
Abdominal compartment syndrome: Organ dysfunction caused by sustained elevation of pressure within the abdominal cavity. Large fluid accumulation can increase abdominal pressure and compromise kidney and respiratory function.

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