Restricted fluid resuscitation in suspected sepsis associated hypotension (REFRESH): a pilot randomised controlled trial

Stephen P.J. Macdonald*, Gerben Keijzers, David Mc D. Taylor, Frances Kinnear, Glenn Arendts, Daniel M. Fatovich, Rinaldo Bellomo, David McCutcheon, John F. Fraser, Sally Burrows, Edward Litton, Amanda Harley, Matthew Anstey, Ashes Mukherjee, REFRESH trial investigators

*Corresponding author for this work

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92 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Purpose: To determine if a regimen of restricted fluids and early vasopressor compared to usual care is feasible for initial resuscitation of hypotension due to suspected sepsis. 

Methods: A prospective, randomised, open-label, clinical trial of a restricted fluid resuscitation regimen in the first 6 h among patients in the emergency department (ED) with suspected sepsis and a systolic blood pressure under 100 mmHg, after minimum 1000 ml of IV fluid. Primary outcome was total fluid administered within 6 h post randomisation. 

Results: There were 99 participants (50 restricted volume and 49 usual care) in the intention-to-treat analysis. Median volume from presentation to 6 h in the restricted volume group was 2387 ml [first to third quartile (Q1–Q3) 1750–2750 ml]; 30 ml/kg (Q1–Q3 32–39 ml/kg) vs. 3000 ml (Q1–Q3 2250–3900 ml); 43 ml/kg (Q1–Q3 35–50 ml/kg) in the usual care group (p < 0.001). Median duration of vasopressor support was 21 h (Q1–Q3 9–42 h) vs. 33 h (Q1–Q3 15–50 h), (p = 0.13) in the restricted volume and usual care groups, respectively. At 90-days, 4 of 48 (8%) in the restricted volume group and 3 of 47 (6%) in the usual care group had died. Protocol deviations occurred in 6/50 (12%) in restricted group and 11/49 (22%) in the usual care group, and serious adverse events in four cases (8%) in each group. 

Conclusions: A regimen of restricted fluids and early vasopressor in ED patients with suspected sepsis and hypotension appears feasible. Illness severity was moderate and mortality rates low. A future trial is necessary with recruitment of high-risk patients to determine effects on clinical outcomes in this setting.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)2070-2078
Number of pages9
JournalIntensive Care Medicine
Volume44
Issue number12
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Dec 2018

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