Fluid Management Using Cardiometry in ARDS Patients

Background: Fluid management is a complicated subject and one of the most difficult facets of medical care. Fluid balance has been shown to improve respiratory physiology for acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) patients. The aim of this study was to assess the role of electrical cardiometry (EC) in fluid management in ARDS.

Methods: This pilot interventional study was carried on 15 patients who were 18 years or older and fulfill the Berlin definition of ARDS. Fluid management was guided by EC.

Results: ICU stay has a mean value of 13.67 ± 4.58 days and duration of MV has with a mean value of 10.27 ± 4.34 days. Lung injury score decreased significantly at 7, 14, 21, 28 days when compared to baseline. Intravenous fluid intake had significantly decreased in 4,5,6,7 days when compared to the 1st day. Urine output has significantly decreased in 5,6,7 days when compared to the 1st day. Hemodynamic instability was in 20% of patients, heart failure in 13.3% of patients, sepsis in 20.0% of patients and organ failure in 26.7% with no renal failure and no arrythmia.

Conclusions: EC was effective in the fluid management in ARDS as regards decreasing 28th day mortality, LIS, fluid intake, duration of MV and ICU stay.