Practice of Fluid Therapy in Critically Ill Invasively Ventilated Patients

Rationale:

The worldwide practice of fluid and vasopressor therapy in critically ill invasively ventilated patients is uncertain. Indeed, it is unclear whether there is a difference in fluid and vasopressor therapy in these patients between Low- and Middle-income Countries (LMICs) and High-income Countries (HICs).

Objective:

To determine various aspects of fluid and vasopressor therapy in critically ill invasively ventilated patients in LMICs and HICs.

Hypothesis:

There is substantial worldwide variation in practice of fluid and vasopressor therapy in critically ill invasively ventilated patients.

Study design:

International, multicenter, observational study in critically ill invasively ventilated patients; data are captured during a predefined period per geographic region or country.

Study population:

Critically ill invasively ventilated patients.

Nature and extent of the burden and risks associated with participation, benefit and group relatedness:

Because of the observational design of the study using routinely collected data, there is no additional burden for the patient. Collection of data from ICU charts or electronic medical records systems is of no risk to the patients.

Inclusion criteria

• Admitted to a participating intensive care unit;
• Receiving invasive ventilation; and
• Duration of ventilation > 24 hours.

Exclusion criteria

• Age < 16 years;
• Patients transferred under invasive ventilation from another intensive care unit.