Fluid therapy, vasopressors, and inotropes

Abstract

A 55-year-old male patient presented with acute respiratory distress. His heart rate was 140/min, BP was 70/40 mmHg, and respiratory rate was 34 breaths/min. Core temperature was 34.4 °C. He was oliguric, and the abdomen was tender, firm, and distended. Fluid resuscitation was commenced and 1.5 L normal saline was infused within 1 h. The PaO2/FiO2 ratio was 140. He was intubated and mechanically ventilated with a tidal volume 400 mL, respiratory rate 16/min, FiO2 0.7 and PEEP 15. An arterial line and a central venous catheter were inserted, and the central venous pressure (CVP) was 16 mmHg. He remained tachycardic and hypotensive.