Overview

Observational study including septic shock patients within 24 hours of ICU admission, monitored with a cardiac output estimation system, with ongoing resuscitation. Hemodynamic and metabolic parameters before and after a fluid challenge (FC) will be measured.

Eligibility

Inclusion Criteria:

• Septic shock patients within the first 24 hours of ICU admission, and selected by the attending physician for performing a fluid challenge (FC) due to suspected tissue hypoperfusion (elevated lactate and/or ScvO2 < 70%).

Exclusion Criteria:

• Age under 18 years old
• Uncontrolled hemodynamic instability, defined as the need for significant changes in vasopressor support (> 10% from baseline dose) within the 15-minute period prior to, and/or during the administration of fluids.
• Patients receiving continuous renal replacement therapies, since the CO values obtained from the thermodilution techniques might be potentially affected.