Role of Transthoracic Ultrasound in Fluid Resuscitation in Respiratory Care Unit Patients with Sepsis

Background: Sepsis remains a leading cause of mortality in intensive care units, with fluid resuscitation being a cornerstone of its early management. Aim: To assess the effectiveness of transthoracic ultrasound in guiding fluid resuscitation among sepsis cases admitted to the respiratory care unit. Methods: This randomized controlled research involved 50 cases with sepsis, separated into two groups: Group I received SSC-guided fluid resuscitation, and Group II underwent transthoracic ultrasound-guided fluid resuscitation using inferior vena cava (IVC) diameter, collapsibility/distensibility indices, and lung B-lines assessments. Clinical outcomes, including mean arterial pressure, norepinephrine dose, lactate clearance, total fluid infusion, ICU/hospital stay, and 28-day mortality, were evaluated. Results: The median length of ICU stay was slightly shorter in Group II compared to Group I, but this difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.508). Ventilator-free days were higher in Group II versus Group I, yet the difference did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.142). Similarly, ICU-free days were marginally higher in Group II compared to Group I, with no significant difference (p = 0.508). Finally, the median length of hospital stay was lower in Group II compared to Group I, though this difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.226). Conclusion: Using transthoracic ultrasound to guide fluid resuscitation in patients with sepsis may be associated with a reduced volume of fluid administration, improved lactate clearance, and no significant impact on mortality or ICU stay.