Initial Fluid Balance Associated Outcomes in Children With Severe Sepsis and Septic Shock

INTRODUCTION Net fluid balance and its role in sepsis-related mortality is not clear; studies suggest that aggressive fluid resuscitation can help in treatment, whereas others consider it is associated with poor outcomes. This study aimed to clarify the possible association of initial 24 hours' fluid balance with poor outcomes in pediatric patients with sepsis. METHODS Retrospective data analysis included pediatric patients admitted with suspected or proven sepsis or septic shock to pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) of a tertiary care teaching hospital in Saudi Arabia. RESULTS The study included 47 patients; 13 (28%) died, and mortality rate was significant in children with neurologic failure (P < 0.02), mechanical ventilation within 24 hours of admission (P < 0.03), leukopenia (P < 0.02), abnormal international normalized ratio (P < 0.02), initial blood lactate levels higher than 5 mmol/L (P < 0.02), or positive fluid balance at 24 hours of admission to the PICU (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION Among children with sepsis and/or septic shock, there is significant association between mortality and initial high blood lactate levels and positive fluid balance at 24 hours from admission to the PICU.