Non-Invasive Cardiac Output Monitoring for Sepsis

(FLUID-ED Trial)

This trial aims to determine whether non-invasive cardiac output monitoring (NICOM) can help doctors manage fluids more effectively for patients with sepsis, a serious infection that causes low blood pressure. The study will assess whether NICOM alters fluid administration and its practicality in the emergency department. Suitable candidates include patients with suspected sepsis who also exhibit low blood pressure or high lactate levels, indicating severe infection.

As an unphased trial, this study provides patients the chance to contribute to significant research that could enhance emergency care for sepsis.

Research has shown that Non-Invasive Cardiac Output Monitoring (NICOM) is generally easy for patients to handle. Studies have found that NICOM is a safe and helpful tool for managing fluid levels in people with septic shock, a serious infection that can cause very low blood pressure. These studies indicate that NICOM helps doctors determine the right amount of fluids needed for treatment without causing significant side effects. Because NICOM is non-invasive, it doesn't involve needles or surgeries, reducing the risk of complications. Overall, hospitals have successfully used NICOM to guide treatment decisions without harming patients.¹²³⁴⁵

Researchers are excited about Non-Invasive Cardiac Output Monitoring (NICOM) for sepsis because it offers a way to assess a patient's fluid status without the need for invasive procedures like catheters. Unlike traditional methods that might require inserting devices into the body, NICOM uses external sensors to measure heart function, making it safer and more comfortable for patients. This approach could lead to quicker and more accurate adjustments in fluid therapy, potentially improving outcomes for patients with sepsis.

Research has shown that Non-Invasive Cardiac Output Monitoring (NICOM) is a helpful tool for managing fluid levels in patients with septic shock. In this trial, some participants will receive NICOM fluid assessment, which aids in treating patients with sepsis, a condition related to septic shock. NICOM measures blood flow changes, helping doctors determine the best way to restore fluids. This method accurately tracks key heart functions, such as the amount of blood the heart pumps with each beat. By using NICOM, doctors can better manage fluids and potentially reduce the risk of complications.¹²³⁶⁷