Current Techniques of Fluid Status Assessment

The estimation of volume status is of critical importance in the early management of acute illness. Inappropriate therapy, given when errors in volume assessment go unrecognized, is associated with increased acute mortality rates. Unfortunately, the gold standard of radioisotopic volume measurement is neither rapid nor inexpensive, thus leaving the clinician to rely on less accurate measures. This chapter reviews the available methods of volume assessment in the acute care environment. In addition to the history, physical exam, and standard radiographic techniques for volume assessment, the newer technologies of acoustic cardiography, bedside ultrasound, and bioimpedance are presented. Copyright (C) 2010 S. Karger AG, Basel