Fluid resuscitation to correct shock
Crystalloids should be used to correct shock with a target
mean arterial pressure of not more than 65 mmHg in patients
with no evidence of traumatic brain injury (Grade 1A).
Higher blood pressure targets requiring large volumes of
Table 2 e Grading of recommendation.
Grade of recommendation Clarity of risk/benefit Quality of supporting evidence Implications
1A
Strong recommendation,
high-quality evidence
Benefits clearly outweigh
risk and burdens, or vice
versa
RCTs without important limitations
or overwhelming evidence from
observational studies
Strong recommendation, can apply
to most patients in most circumstances
without reservation
1B
Strong recommendation,
moderate-quality
evidence
Benefits clearly outweigh
risk and burdens, or vice
versa
RCTs with important limitations
(inconsistent results, methodological
flaws, indirect or imprecise) or
exceptionally strong evidence from
observational studies
Strong recommendation, can apply
to most patients in most circumstances
without reservation
1C
Strong recommendation,
low-quality or very lowquality
evidence
Benefits clearly outweigh
risk and burdens, or vice
versa
Observational studies or case series Strong recommendation but may
change when higher quality evidence
becomes available
2A
Weak recommendation,
high-quality evidence
Benefits closely balanced
with risks and burden
RCTs without important limitations
or overwhelming evidence from
observational studies
Weak recommendation, best action
may differ depending on circumstances
or patients’ or societal values
2B
Weak recommendation,
moderate-quality
evidence
Benefits closely balanced
with risks and burden
RCTs with important limitations
(inconsistent results, methodological
flaws, indirect or imprecise) or
exceptionally strong evidence from
observational studies
Weak recommendation, best action
may differ depending on circumstances
or patients’ or societal values
2C
Weak recommendation,
Low-quality or very lowquality
evidence
Uncertainty in the
estimates of benefits, risks
and burden; benefits, risk
and burden may
be closely balanced
Observational studies or case series Very weak recommendation; other
alternatives may be equally reasonable
166 medical journal armed forces india 70 (2014) 163 e169
fluid may increase hydrostatic pressure, thereby dislodging
the clot, can produce dilution coagulopathy and make the
patient cold which could be detrimental. The incidence of
coagulopathy has been found to increase by 40% in patients
receiving 2 L of fluid to about 70% in patients receiving 4 L of
fluids.22 It is prudent to limit use of fluids to small alliquots
of 250 ml of crystalloids (Ringer Lactate) to keep the radial
pulse palpable (systolic blood pressure > 80 mmHg) and the
patient conscious and oriented. In a patient with traumatic
brain injury (TBI), a higher systolic blood pressure of
100 mmHg is recommended to maintain the cerebral
perfusion pressure. Colloids should be used within its prescribed
limits in patients who are hemodynamically unstable
as the colloid solutions notably starch based
solutions can precipitate coagulopathy and renal failure.
Hypertonic saline may have a role in traumatic brain injury
(TBI).
Assessment of coagulation
Conventional coagulation screens which include INR, APTT,
Platelet counts, Fibrinogen levels and assessment of initial
clotting factors, clot strength, fibrin concentrate, platelet
function and the rate of fibrinolysis should be assessed by
thrombelastography. An increase in INR and APTT of more
than 1.5 times and 5 min clot amplitude of less than 36 mm on
thromboelastography (TEG) is diagnostic of acute traumatic
coagulopathy.