Abstract
Fluid administration is a basic therapeutic approach in patients with hypovolaemic circulatory failure. Inappropriate fluid resuscitation has serious and in some cases fatal consequences.
To distinguish between volume responsive or non-responsive patients is one of the intensivist's high priority tasks. Formerly used static parameters like CVP and PAOP are failing in this decision making.
Echocardiography is offering an opportunity to monitor dynamic parameters (IVS and SVC diameter variation, maximal transaortic velocity and VTI) to identify the patients, which will profit from fluid administration. The necessity of mechanical ventilation is a limitation of this approach.
PLRT can help with diagnosis in spontaneously breathing patients or in patients with arrhythmias.