Prediction of Fluid Responsiveness in Paediatric Patients With Septic Shock Using Carotid Doppler Ultrasonography and Echocardiography

The goal of this study is to evaluate the role of carotid Doppler and Echocardiography as a predictor of fluid responsiveness in paediatric patients with septic shock.

and To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of Aortic peak velocity and VTI variation in patients with septic shock during their fluid resuscitation phase as a reliable predictor of fluid responsiveness.All patients included in the study will be evaluated clinically and radiologically at fluid resuscitative phase of septic shock after fluid resuscitation.

This evaluation will include:

• Clinical examination:

Clinical evaluation will be done initially and after fluid resuscitation:

• Vital data (systolic, diastolic, and mean blood pressure, heart rate, Temperature).
• Urine output, capillary perfusion time, Central venous pressure (CVP).
• Detailed physical examination (chest, heart, and abdomen). • Investigations:

A) Laboratory:

• Complete blood count.
• Venous blood gases.
• C-reactive protein.
• Kidney function tests.
• Albumin.
• Serum lactate.
• Fibrinogen
• Serum electrolytes.
• Fibrinogen to albumin ratio

B) Imaging:

Echocardiography (measurement of stroke volume, stroke volume index, cardiac index, systemic vascular resistance index, Aortic peak velocity and VTI variation,, inferior vena cava (IVC)collapsibility index and IVC distensibility index)

Inclusion criteria

• Children aged 1 month to 16 years.
• Patients with septic shock admitted at the PICU during their fluid resuscitative phase were included.Septic shock was diagnosed according to phoenix sepsis score 2024

• Exclusion criteria:
• Acquired and congenital heart disease.
• Acquired and congenital renal disease.
• Vascular anomalies (e.g. arteriovenous malformation, aneurysm).
• Suspected intracranial hypertension.
• Skin lesions or bandages at the sites of ultrasound or echo-cardiography examinations.
• Anatomical anomalies of the neck.