The New Scientific Foundation of Fluid Therapy in Shock Management

Intravenous fluids are commonly prescribed, but uncertainty remains about how to assess when fluids are required and how much to give [1]. Two recent guidelines have acknowledged a limited evidence base to guide fluid assessment. A recommended means to assess hypovolaemia includes assessment of fluid responsiveness. Fluid responsiveness is a rise in stroke volume following an increase in preload, achieved using a fluid challenge or a passive leg raise. However, the means of defining fluid responsiveness and its ability to identify patients who would benefit from fluid resuscitation is currently unclear.