Reanimación hídrica: fisiología de la respuesta a volumen

Abstract

Fluid resuscitation is a fundamental pharmacological treatment in most patients. It requires a deep understanding of ­cardiovascular physiology in order to identify the adaptive and pathological mechanisms that surround the fluid therapy. This manuscript brings together theoretical definitions and operative concepts on the myocardial and vascular elements involved in the volume response; the components of preload, venous return and contractility are analyzed to finally outline the afterload in the complex cycle of mechanical, electrical and biochemical phenomena that make optimal blood flow a goal of our treatments.