Ultrasound Evaluation of the Respiratory Variations of The Internal Jugular Vein Compared to the Respiratory Variations of the Inferior Vena Cava as a Guidance of Fluid Responsiveness in Septic Shock

Abstract

Septic shock is one of the most complex hemodynamic failure syndromes. It is the major cause of mortality and morbidity in intensive care unit. Fluid resuscitation is of paramount importance in septic shock. However, its correction should be carefully guided to avoid unnecessary volume expansion. Fluid responsiveness (FR) is defined as the ability of the left ventricle to increase its stroke volume (SV) in response to fluid administration. Assessment of patient response to volume expansion presents a daily challenge for acute care physician. Point of care ultrasonography examination play an important role in septic shock. Several studies have reported the utility of ultrasonographic measuring of inferior vena cava for evaluating the intravascular volume status.