Preload assessment in trauma patients during large-volume shock resuscitation.

Objective: To evaluate the utility of the right ventricular end-diastolic volume index (RVEDVI) as a method of preload assessment in trauma patients during large-volume shock resuscitation, and to compare the RVEDVI with the pulmonary artery occlusion pressure (PAOP) as a predictor of preload in this patient population.

Methods: Retrospective study of a consecutive series of 46 trauma patients, admitted between June 1, 1992, and June 1, 1993, who received a volumetric oximetry pulmonary artery catheter and greater than 10 L of fluid in 24 hours. Methods: University level 1 trauma center. Methods: Correlations of the RVEDVI and PAOP with the cardiac index (CI) during the defined study period.

Results: Three hundred fourteen measurements of the RVEDVI, PAOP, CI, and other hemodynamic variables were evaluated. Patients received a mean +/- SD of 22.1 +/- 13.3 L of blood and fluid during the 24 hours. The RVEDVI correlated better (P < .001) with the CI (r = 0.39) than did the PAOP (R = 0.05). Furthermore, there was a better correlation (P < .04) between the RVEDVI and CI when the RVEDVI was 130 mL/m2 or less (r = 0.54) than when it was greater than 130 mL/m2 (r = 0.30).

Conclusions: The RVEDVI is a better predictor of preload than the PAOP in trauma patients during large-volume shock resuscitation. When the RVEDVI is 130 mL/m2 or less, volume administration will likely increase the CI.