Fluid resuscitation
Rapid fluid boluses of 20 mL/kg should be
administered (possibly over five minutes),
observing for the development of lung rales or
hepatomegaly. Up to 60 mL/kg may be necessary
in the first hour; however, in some
patients aliquots exceeding 150-200 ml/kg may
be required in the first hour. Fluid should be
pushed manually or by a pressure bag, with a
goal of attaining normal perfusion and blood
pressure.11 Use of both crystalloid or colloid
solutions is generally considered appropriate.
In special cases, e.g. when the source of hypovolemia
is hemorrhage, transfusion with
packed red blood cellscould be also considered,
particularly with haemoglobin values below 10
ng/dL.
However, there is little evidence about the
best type of resuscitation fluid, the appropriate
timing, volume, and rate of fluid administration.17
In particular, no clear advantages have
been demonstrated by using cristalloids rather
than colloids in septic shock patients.18
Interestingly, recent findings challenge the
importance of bolus resuscitation as a lifesaving
intervention in resource-limited settings
for children with shock who do not have
hypotension, raising questions regarding
fluid-resuscitation guidelines in other settings
as well.19 Further research is clearly needed to
clarify such a controversial issue.