Association between Inferior Vena Cava Variability Indices and Pulmonary Ultrasound Patterns in Fluid Resuscitation in Patients Admitted to Intensive Care

Proper assessment of cardiac preload, volume response, and signs of fluid overload is fundamental for fluid resuscitation. Ultrasound is a useful non-invasive tool for estimating these parameters through the analysis of inferior vena cava variability and pulmonary patterns. This observational, longitudinal, and retrospective study included 41 patients admitted to the ICU of the Central South High Specialty Hospital of Petróleos Mexicanos. Objective: To establish the association between inferior vena cava variability indices and pulmonary ultrasound patterns in fluid resuscitation in patients admitted to intensive care. Material and methods: IVC distensibility or collapsibility indices and A and B lines were evaluated on pulmonary ultrasound (LUS) at 0, 15, 30, and 45 minutes of fluid resuscitation. Results: First measurement: p = 0.026, OR = 1.167 (CI 0.862 - 1.579). Although the p-value was significant, the confidence interval included 1.0, indicating a statistically weak association with limited precision. Subsequent assessments showed no statistical significance. The mean volume of fluids administered was 796.7 ± 352.6 mL, and the observed mortality rate was 7%. Discussion: These findings suggest that combining IVC ultrasound and LUS allows for more targeted, safer, and more efficient resuscitation with a lower risk of fluid overload.