Clinical Practice Guideline: Endpoints of Resuscitation

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM Severely injured trauma victims are at high risk of development of the multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) or death. To maximize chances for survival, treatment priorities must focus on resuscitation from shock (defined as inadequate tissue oxygenation to meet tissue O2 requirements), including appropriate fluid resuscitation and rapid hemostasis. Inadequate tissue oxygenation leads to anaerobic metabolism and resultant tissue acidosis. The depth and duration of shock leads to a cumulative oxygen debt. Resuscitation is complete when the oxygen debt has been repaid, tissue acidosis eliminated, and normal aerobic metabolism restored in all tissue beds. Many patients may appear to be adequately resuscitated based on normalization of vital signs, but have occult hypoperfusion and ongoing tissue acidosis (compensated shock), which may lead to organ dysfunction and death. Use of the endpoints discussed in this guideline may allow early detection and reversal of this state, with the potential to decrease morbidity and mortality from trauma. Without doubt, resuscitation from hemorrhagic shock is impossible without hemostasis. Fluid resuscitation strategies before obtaining hemostasis in patients with uncontrolled hemorrhage, usually victims of penetrating trauma, remain controversial. Withholding fluid resuscitation may lead to death from exsanguination, whereas aggressive fluid resuscitation may disrupt the clot and lead to more bleeding. “Limited,” “hypotensive,” and/or “delayed” fluid resuscitation may be beneficial, but clinical trials have yielded conflicting results. This clinical practice guideline will focus on resuscitation after achieving hemostasis and will not address the issue of uncontrolled hemorrhage further. Use of the traditional markers of successful resuscitation, including restoration of normal blood pressure, heart rate, and urine output, remain the standard of care per the Advanced Trauma Life Support Course. When these parameters remain abnormal, i.e., uncompensated shock, the need for additional resuscitation is clear. After normalization of these parameters, up to 85% of severely injured trauma victims still have evidence of inadequate tissue oxygenation based on findings of an ongoing metabolic acidosis or evidence of gastric mucosal ischemia. This condition has been described as compensated shock. Recognition of this state and its rapid reversal are critical to minimize risk of MODS or death. Consequently, better markers of adequate resuscitation for severely injured trauma victims are needed. This guideline committee sought to evaluate the current state of the literature regarding use of potential markers and related goals of resuscitation, focusing on those that have been tested in human trauma victims. This manuscript is part of an ongoing process of guideline development that includes periodic (every 3–4 years) review of the topic and the recommendations in light of new data. The goal is for these guidelines to assist clinicians in assuring adequate resuscitation of trauma patients, ultimately improving patient outcomes.