“Mastering the Fluid Balance: Navigating Sepsis, Capillary Leak, and Critical Illness in the ICU"

Prof. Dr. Manu Malbrain

President IFA | Book author | Internist Intensivist | Medisch Adviseur AZ Oudenaarde | Healthcare Consultant | Crisis and Change Management | CMO Medaman | Research professor Medical University Lublin | Keynote speaker

AZ Oudenaarde KU Leuven Bierbeek, Flemish Region, Belgium

Clinical Vignette

A 55-year-old male presents to the ICU with sepsis and septic shock secondary to bacterial pneumonia. Despite initial fluid resuscitation and vasopressor support, he remains hypotensive. Over the next 24 hours, the patient develops hypoalbuminemia and exhibits signs of fluid overloadaccumulation, including peripheral oedema and worsening oxygenation, while maintaining a normal CVP. 

A chest X-ray reveals bilateral infiltrates, and there is a progressive increase in interstitial fluid accumulation. Given his deteriorating condition, capillary leak syndrome is suspected. The clinical team must now reassess the fluid management strategy, carefully balancing the need for adequate perfusion against the risk of exacerbating fluid overloadaccumulation.

 

Clinical Vignette

A 55-year-old male presents to the ICU with sepsis and septic shock secondary to bacterial pneumonia. Despite initial fluid resuscitation and vasopressor support, he remains hypotensive. Over the next 24 hours, the patient develops hypoalbuminemia and exhibits signs of fluid overloadaccumulation, including peripheral oedema and worsening oxygenation, while maintaining a normal CVP. 

A chest X-ray reveals bilateral infiltrates, and there is a progressive increase in interstitial fluid accumulation. Given his deteriorating condition, capillary leak syndrome is suspected. The clinical team must now reassess the fluid management strategy, carefully balancing the need for adequate perfusion against the risk of exacerbating fluid overloadaccumulation.

 

Key Questions at the Bedside

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In the management of septic shock, which of the following is the most appropriate sequence when assessing the patient’s need for fluid resuscitation?
Which of the following is true about interstitial spaces and lymphatics in fluid management?
What is a recommended approach when managing fluids in a patient with capillary leak syndrome?
How does the volume expansion effect of crystalloids compare to colloids?
In a septic patient with a low LVEF(15-20%), what should guide fluid management?
What is a key takeaway from recent studies on restrictive vs. liberal fluid strategies?
What are some effective methods for fluid removal or de-resusutation in critically ill patients?
Which principle best summarizes fluid management in the ICU?
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Discussion Area

  • Comment (2)
  • Is there any specific test or marker to identify the presence or resolution of capillary leak syndrome in critically ill patient.

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    • Hi Naveen – very good question. There are, as of today no easy markers that can be used at the bedside.
      I would suggest a combination of parameters like:
      Clinical: cumulative fluid balance and body weight
      Biochemical: capillary leak index (serum CRP divided by serum albumin), hemodilution (hgb, albumin and protein levels)
      Urinary: albumin over creatinine ratio
      Radiological: Kerley B lines on chest X-ray, pleural effusion, B-lines on lung POCUS
      Hemodynamic and organ monitoring: extravascular lunh water and pulmonary capillary leak index, intra-abdominal pressure, EIT, BIA (volume excess and ECW/ICW ratio), isotope labeled albumin dilution techniques, etc…

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