Fluid Resuscitation Practices in Septic Patients and the Impact on Outcomes

Abstract

Objective: This investigation explores the diversity in fluid resuscitation strategies for septic patients in the ICU and their correlations with clinical outcomes, focusing on mortality rates and length of ICU stay.

Methods: A cross-sectional, observational study surveyed the administration of fluids in septic patients in medical and surgical ICUs. The study encompassed 100 septic patients, examining the type, volume, and timing of fluid resuscitation within the first 24 hours of ICU admission. Outcomes were monitored for 28 days, with primary endpoints being mortality rate and length of ICU stay.

Results: Preliminary data indicate considerable variability in resuscitation approaches, with a significant subset deviating from the Surviving Sepsis Campaign guidelines. Early aggressive fluid resuscitation within the initial hours of admission correlated with a reduced ICU stay but did not significantly impact the 28-day mortality rate. Conversely, delayed, or conservative fluid strategies were associated with prolonged ICU stays and a non-statistically significant increase in mortality.

Conclusion: Fluid resuscitation practices in septic patients are highly variable and have a quantifiable impact on ICU stay duration. While aggressive early resuscitation may expedite ICU discharge, its effect on mortality is less clear. These findings highlight the need for standardized protocols to optimize patient outcomes and suggest that personalized fluid management strategies may be beneficial in sepsis care.

Keywords: Sepsis, Fluid Resuscitation, ICU, Patient Outcomes, Mortality, Length of Stay.