Korean J Med.  2011 Jan;80(1):1-7.

Evaluation and Management of Volume Status: A Practical View

• Kim S

Abstract

Objective
, rapid, and accurate assessment of volume status is important in the early management of acute, critical illnesses, as inappropriate therapy may lead to interventions with fatal outcomes. Traditionally, the history and physical examinations have been used for this assessment, but have limitations. Radioisotopic measurement or invasive hemodynamic monitoring is impractical, complicated, and expensive. Recently developed technologies offer rapid, accurate estimation of volume status with the potential to improve clinical outcome. This review discusses the methods available for volume assessment, including ultrasound, bioimpedance, and the historical tools.

Keyword

Water-electrolyte imbalance; Technology assessment

MeSH Terms

Critical Illness
Fatal Outcome
Hemodynamics
Physical Examination
Technology Assessment, Biomedical
Water-Electrolyte Imbalance