What is the role of fluid resuscitation in treating sepsis?

Fluid resuscitation plays a crucial role in the management of sepsis primarily by restoring circulating volume and improving blood pressure. In sepsis, the body experiences a significant inflammatory response, leading to vasodilation and increased capillary permeability. This can cause a substantial drop in blood pressure and a reduction in effective circulating volume.

Administering intravenous fluids helps to expand the intravascular space, thereby increasing the volume of blood available to be pumped by the heart, which in turn raises blood pressure. Adequate blood pressure is critical for ensuring that blood flow reaches vital organs, which is essential for preventing organ dysfunction and promoting recovery.

While fluid resuscitation can influence heart rate, body temperature, and respiratory demand, those are not its primary goals. The main focus is restoring hemodynamic stability to support organ perfusion, which is vital in the treatment of sepsis.