An observational study using ultrasound to assess physiological changes following fluid bolus administration in paediatric sepsis in the emergency department

Abstract

Background: Fluid bolus administration is widely recommended as part of the initial treatment of paediatric sepsis, though the physiological benefits and harms are unclear. The primary aim of this study is to determine the effect of fluid bolus administration on cardiac index (CI). Secondary aims are to determine the effect of fluid bolus administration on extra-vascular lung water (EVLW), whether fluid responsiveness can be predicted by inferior vena cava (IVC) collapsibility, and whether fluid responsiveness correlates with changes in vital signs. Methods/design: A prospective observational study of children presenting to the Emergency Department of The Royal Children's Hospital with clini..