The use of ultrasound indices to evaluate volume status and fluid responsiveness in patients with septic shock

Objective The purpose of this study is to assess the use of ultrasound indices to evaluate volume status and fluid responsiveness in patients with septic shock. Patients and methods A total of 40 successive patients aged above 40 years, with septic shock on admission to the ICU, were enrolled in the study, comprising 26 fluid responders and 14 fluid nonresponders. Results Regarding demographic data and other patient characteristics, no statistically significant difference between both the study groups was seen. Regard baseline hemodynamics data, there was no statistically significant difference between both groups. but after fluid bolus, there was a statistically significant difference between both groups. Regarding hemodynamics data. There was no significant difference between both groups regarding maximum inferior vena cava (IVC) diameter, whereas the minimum IVC diameter and internal jugular vein (IJV) area/common carotid artery area were significantly lower in the group of fluid responders compared with the nonresponder group. The caval index was significantly higher in the responder group compared with the nonresponder group, whereas there was no significant difference in the aspect ratio of the IJV between responder and nonresponder groups. Conclusion IVC diameter, caval index, IJV area, and IJV/common carotid artery area ratio are useful methods to predict fluid responsiveness in spontaneously breathing patients in septic shock.