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Goal directed hemodynamic monitoring and the balance in goal directed therapy between adequate fluid/volume therapy and the application of vasoactive or inotropic drugs are the basic elements of modern perioperative therapy.Surgical procedures should be accompanied by as few side effects and complications as possible. Nevertheless, the number of postoperative complications remains surprisingly high, despite of the modern surgical procedures. Anticipation of potential complications in the perioperative period and their rapid treatment build a core competence of anesthesiological action. Thus, it is clear that anesthesia plays a central role in this balancing act.This article aims to provide an overview of the application of the currently available perioperative goal directed hemodynamic monitoring. The current possibilities are discussed by using a case example and an outlook on the future of hemodynamic monitoring is given., Competing Interests: Erklärung zu finanziellen Interessen Forschungsförderung erhalten: nein; Honorar/geldwerten Vorteil für Referententätigkeit erhalten: nein; Bezahlter Berater/interner Schulungsreferent/Gehaltsempfänger: nein; Patent/Geschäftsanteile/Aktien (Autor/Partner, Ehepartner, Kinder) an im Bereich der Medizin aktiven Firma: nein; Patent/Geschäftsanteile/Aktien (Autor/Partner, Ehepartner, Kinder) an zu Sponsoren dieser Fortbildung bzw. durch die Fortbildung in ihren Geschäftsinteressen berührten Firma: nein Erklärung zu nichtfinanziellen Interessen Die Autorinnen/Autoren geben an, dass kein Interessenkonflikt besteht., (Thieme. All rights reserved.)

The aim of this continuing medical education (CME) article (part II) is to describe the particular challenge of the treatment of hyponatremia, which occurs in older patients. This part II follows on from part I concerning the diagnosis in the previous volume. A staged approach is necessary. The best treatment is always when the underlying cause can be eliminated. Hyponatremia in older patients is mainly induced by the syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH) secretion. The authors use a concept for the first, second and third line strategy: (1) changing or discontinuation of drugs, (2) fluid restriction and (3) tolvaptan medication. The algorithm for treatment should be simple. It also contains recommendations for the correction rate. Caution is also needed in order to avoid the occurrence of an osmotic demyelination syndrome (ODS).

Competing Interests: Disclosure The authors report no conflicts of interest in this work.

The approach in the clinical fluid management of the dying is still controversially discussed in specialist circles and also in the general population. In this article the importance of establishing the therapeutic indications is emphasized against the background of a lack of evidence. Options to achieve noninvasive objectification of assumed dehydration as well as assessment of the reversibility of the symptoms are shown and the importance of monitoring of all therapeutic actions is discussed. The pathophysiological foundation of reversible disorders of fluid homoeostasis are described and distinguished from the irreversible disorders leading to terminal dehydration. If clinically assisted hydration (CAH) is indicated, the hydration status must be assessed individually as well as in advance and all therapeutic measures must be constantly adjusted to the results of non-invasive monitoring procedures.

Adequate fluid therapy is highly important for the perioperative outcome of our patients. Both, hypovolemia and hypervolemia can lead to an increase in perioperative complications and can impair the outcome. Therefore, perioperative infusion therapy should be target-oriented. The main target is to maintain the patient's preoperative normovolemia by using a sophisticated, rational infusion strategy.Perioperative fluid losses should be discriminated from volume losses (surgical blood loss or interstitial volume losses containing protein). Fluid losses as urine or perspiratio insensibilis (0.5-1.0 ml/kg/h) should be replaced by balanced crystalloids in a ratio of 1:1. Volume therapy step 1: Blood loss up to a maximum value of 20% of the patient's blood volume should be replaced by balanced crystalloids in a ratio of 4(-5):1. Volume therapy step 2: Higher blood losses should be treated by using iso-oncotic, preferential balanced colloids in a ratio of 1:1. For this purpose hydroxyethyl starch can also be used perioperatively if there is no respective contraindication, such as sepsis, burn injuries, critically ill patients, renal impairment or renal replacement therapy, and severe coagulopathy. Volume therapy step 3: If there is an indication for red cell concentrates or coagulation factors, a differentiated application of blood and blood products should be performed.

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is an important part of renal diseases and a common clinical problem. AKI is an acute decline in renal function. Due to a lack of therapeutic options, prevention and optimal management of patients with AKI are the most important strategies. Although seldom the sole cause of patients' death, AKI is associated with a significant increase in mortality. Our objective is to draw the attention towards the prevention of AKI of non-renal causes., (© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.)

The incidence of sepsis increases in Germany from latest DRG evaluations and also the mortality is still at a high level. The aim of the new Sepsis - 3 definition is to optimize the identification and initiation of therapy. The treatment algorithms by Rivers (EGDT) are getting old. Rapid identification of septic patients, rapid administration of antibiotics and rapid therapy management are crucial., (© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.)

Liver failure is a disease with a high mortality rate. Often liver transplantation is the sole therapeutic option. On the one hand, liver support systems probably support the liver to allow regeneration, on the other hand they are an option to bridge for transplantation. This article gives an overview on the clinically used liver assist devices (molecular adsorbent recirculating system [MARS], Prometheus system, single-pass albumin dialysis [SPAD], plasmapheresis) and discusses the applications in liver failure., (© Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart · New York.)

After recognition of the diagnosis sepsis early resuscitation of the patient is mandatory. Patients should have a mean arterial pressure (MAP) ≥65 mmHg. Patients with hypotension should receive initial fluid challenge with approximately 30 mL/kg of balanced electrolyte solutions. However, iatrogenic volume overload should be avoided. If MAP remains < 65mmHg despite adequate volume norepinephrine is the first choice catecholamine. Oxygen should be delivered when oxygen saturation is below 90% to avoid hypoxemia. Intubation and invasive ventilation is reasonable in hemodynamically unstable or unconscious patients. Two blood cultures should be drawn immediately in every septic patient plus further microbiological test depending on the primary focus. After that broad spectrum antibiotics should be given (<60 min after diagnosis). Strong effort must be done to identify the primary source of sepsis including examination, history and different imaging technics. Physicians have to check actively, if the source can be controlled (<12h) by surgery or intervention. Ventilated patients must be monitored for depth of sedation, pain and delir with standardized tools (RASS, CPOT, BPS, CAM-ICU). Lung protective ventilation (TV 6-8ml/kg Ideal-BW, Pmax<30mbar, application of PEEP) is standard in septic patients. It should be combined with low sedation and early mobilisation to allow spontaneous breathing. Permanent monitoring for further organ dysfunction is mandatory. In case of sepsis induced kidney injury, early CRRT should be started with an average dose of 20-25ml/kg/h. Under CRRT many antibiotics must be given at a high dose to prevent underdosing. Concerning nutrition, enteral nutrition starting with 48h is recommended with a dose of 15-25kcal/kg. However, it remains uncertain if hypocaloric nutrition or parenteral application may be equivalent. Transfusion should be done restrictively (with a trigger Hb < 7g/dl). For the prevention of nosocomial sepsis high standard hygiene and antibiotic stewardship programs as well as enough and sufficiently qualified staff are essential. Quality management for septic patients generates transparency and helps to motivate the ICU team., (© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.)

Sepsis is defined as "life-threatening organ dysfunction caused by a dysregulated host-response to infection". Presence of organ dysfunction is associated with a mortality of 10% and higher in hospitalized sepsis patients.Introduction of standards in diagnosis and treatment of sepsis in intensive care units has not considerably reduced sepsis mortality. About 80% of patients with sepsis are transferred to intensive care units from usual care wards and emergency departments. Thus, it is tempting to speculate whether opportunities for further improvement of sepsis management exist outside of intensive care units. Performing a "quick sequential organ assessment" (qSOFA; two of following criteria have to be present: respiratory rate >22/min; sytolic blood pressure <100mmHg; altered mental status) supports to identify patients with suspicion of an infection and an increased risk of death within the hospital. Subsequent treatment according to current guidelines on sepsis management will reduce in-hospital mortality of sepsis patients. Indeed, we were able to show a substantial decrease of in-hospital mortality of about 20% in patients presenting with community acquired pneumonia to the emergency department.In summary, decision of further management of sepsis patients has to be done outside intensive care units at the time of initial presentation to professional care givers. Sepsis management in acute care settings should include a structured and standardized protocol to further improve survival in affected patients with even mild organ dysfunction., (© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.)

Hypernatremia is a common electrolyte disorder that reflects an imbalance in the water balance of the body, often resulting from an increased loss of free water compared to sodium excretion. It is rarely based on excessive sodium intake. The clinical presentation is often characterized by a central nervous system dysfunction (confusion, coma) and pronounced thirst (in awake patients). In addition to medical history, the volume status of the patient and the osmolality of urine are leading in the differential diagnosis. Usually, the treatment of hypernatremia - in addition to addressing the underlying cause - is replacing the (absolute or relative) loss of free water by hypotonic infusions, or in case of diabetes insipidus, by application of Desmopressin (Minirin). As rapid changes in serum sodium concentration may have deleterious consequences (osmotic demyelinsiation syndrome), preexisting hypernatremia (>48h) should not be reduced by more than 8-10 mmol/l/day. Close laboratory controls are important. For acute hypernatremia (< 24 hours), hemodialysis is an effective option to rapidly normalize the serum sodium levels. To avoid a rapid drop in sodium concentration that must also be considered when starting a renal replacement therapy in patients with chronic hypernatremia., (© Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart · New York.)

Background: Sepsis is an acute systemic response to the presence of bacteria and bacterial components in the macroorganism, and urosepsis is defined as sepsis caused by an infection in the urogenital tract. The urogenital tract is considered to be responsible for about 30 % of the cases of septic processes, whereby obstructive uropathy is causative in about 80 % of these cases. Sepsis manifests as an initially predominant proinflammatory response by widespread release of inflammatory mediators as a result of activation of cells responsive to infectious components such as bacterial toxins, which is then accompanied by a counter-regulatory anti-inflammatory response., Diagnosis and Therapy: Prior to antibiotic therapy, blood and urine cultures are recommended, while procalcitonin and lactate can be considered diagnostically relevant biomarkers. Furthermore, early imaging to localize the level of obstruction and infectious focus should be carried out. Treatment is divided into causal therapy (antimicrobial therapy and infectious source), supportive therapy (fluids and oxygen administration), and adjunctive therapy (sepsis-specific therapy).

Background: The lungs and kidneys represent the most often affected organs (acute respiratory distress syndrome, ARDS or kidney failure) in multiple organ failure (MOF) due to shock, trauma, or sepsis with a still unacceptable high mortality for both organ failures., Pathogenesis and Interactions: Although the exact pathophysiological mechanisms of MOF are not completely elucidated, it appears that the lungs and kidneys share several pathophysiologic pathways and have the potential to further harm each other (kidney-lung crosstalk). Inflammatory signals in both directions and volume overload with consecutive edema formation in both organs may play a key role in this crosstalk., Treatment: The organ replacement therapies used in both organ failures have the potential to further injure the other organ (ventilator trauma, dialyte trauma). On the other hand, renal replacement therapy can have positive effects on lung injury by restoring volume and acid-base homeostasis. The new development of "low-flow" extracorporeal CO2 removal on renal replacement therapy platforms may further help to decrease ventilator trauma in the future.

The maintenance of water and electrolyte homeostasis is of enormous importance for the functioning of cells and tissues. A number of therapeutic procedures intentionally or unintentionally influence important regulatory mechanisms of these interdependent balanced systems. Excessive salt intake doesn't only expand the extracellular volume; it can also cause a considerable increase in tonicity. Owing to its insulin-dependent duality of action, glucose can represent an effective or an ineffective osmolyte. This fact has to be considered in patients with diabetic ketoacidosis. Diuretics reduce the volume expansion via renal excretion of sodium (and water); however, in addition to hypokalemia, diuretics can also cause severe alkalosis. Nowadays, hemodialysis is a routine procedure-but even routine procedures can deliver undesirable surprises. Can dialysis cause an increase in calcium levels, or does the procedure remove therapeutically administered radioactive iodine? The current article presents a series of cases we have come across in recent years. These case reports illustrate common, but also rare iatrogenic situations. The discussion of these cases is aimed at raising awareness of the issues involved in a pathophysiological approach to clinical problems.

Goal-directed hemodynamic therapy is becoming increasingly more interesting for anesthesiologists and intensive care physicians. Meta-analyses of studies evaluating perioperative therapy algorithms demonstrated a reduction of postoperative morbidity compared to the previous clinical practices. In this review article the basic concepts of goal-directed hemodynamic therapy and the principles of previously employed therapy algorithms are described and discussed. Furthermore, the questions of how these therapy strategies can be transferred into daily clinical practice and whether these therapeutic approaches might even bear risks for patients are elucidated.

Hyponatremia is the most common form of electrolyte disorder in the emergency room. The symptoms are unspecific and include nausea, dizziness and often falls. Typical symptoms of severe hypernatremia are vomiting, cerebral seizures, somnolence and even coma. The specific initial laboratory diagnostics include measurement of serum electrolytes, serum glucose, serum and urine osmolarity and sodium in urine. The main aim of the clinical examination is to estimate the volume status. If a patient has hypovolemia an infusion of isotonic sodium chloride solution (0.9 %) is the method of choice. If the patient is euvolemic the syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH) or (neurotropic) drugs might be the cause. In these cases the primary measure is restriction of fluid intake. As a rapid correction of sodium levels can lead to pontine myelinolysis, the increase in sodium concentration must not be less than 10 mmol/l within the first 24 h and 18 mmol/l within the first 48 h. Clinical symptoms of hyperkalemia include neurological (e.g. muscle weakness, paresis, hyperreflexia, cramps and dysesthesia), gastrointestinal (e.g. nausea, vomiting and diarrhea) and cardiac symptoms (e.g. dysrhythmia and conductance disorders). Calcium injection stabilizes cardiac rhythm disorders immediately. For a rapid drop in potassium by shifting the potassium to the intracellular space, administration of glucose with insulin and high-dose inhalative administration of betamimetics can be used. Potassium elimination is achieved by infusion of isotonic sodium choride (0.9 %) with i.v. administration of furosemide, ion exchange resins and hemodialysis.

Fluids play an important role in clinical nephrology.1) Temperature of dialysate fluid has recently re-attracted a lot of attention. Individualized cooling of the dialysate (0.5 °C below predialysis ear temperature) has been shown to not only prevent intradialytic hypotension but also to improve myocardial contractility and to prevent white matter changes in CKD5D.2) Access fluid in AKI is associated with an increased mortality. While Furosemide has no place in treating AKI the Furosemide stress test can help to identify patients with AKI that will eventually need renal replacement therapy.3) Components of replacement fluid for therapeutic plasma exchange (albumin or fresh frozen plasma) are high in demand. Especially the cost for albumin increases year by year. Alternative solutions such as immunoadsorption should be studied and employed for those indications where replenishment of plasma components is not necessary. Further, a seperate reimbursement of repalcement fluid seems necessary to avoid a decline in treatment quality., (© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.)

Background: Since pediatric emergencies and burn injuries are rare in prehospital emergency medicine, emergency teams can hardly develop routine in emergency care., Objectives: How to effectively treat burn injuries and avoid common errors?, Materials and Methods: A simple and severity-based therapy concept based on the current literature using the example of a case report is presented., Results: About 80% of burns and scalds in children are not severe cases-in these patients an effective analgesia by intranasal administration is important and further invasive treatments are generally not necessary. The emergency care of children with severe burn injuries should start with intranasally administered analgesia and/or sedation. After an intravenous or intraosseous access is gained, moderate fluid therapy is started, which should be complemented by a fluid bolus only if signs of a shock are present. Additional administration of analgesia and/or sedation may be necessary. Estimation of the burned body surface area is best determined with the palm rule; the severity of the burn appears after a latency period. Induction of anesthesia and intubation are not required in the majority of cases., Conclusions: By applying a modified ABCDE scheme, all emergency teams can provide effective emergency care in children with burn injuries.

Geriatric patients were more often treated in hospitals for Dehydration in the last years resembling a rising burden for Health systems. Elderly people are more vulnerable for Dehydration during Heat Waves especially when there are complicating factors like febrile episodes or multiple medications. In private care situations as in homes for elderly Strategies have to be implemented in Germany to prevent hospital admissions in the case of transient Dehydration. By this a rise of costs and a waste of resources should be diminished. Prehospital structures have to be implemented to maintain oral Rehydration aware of a more intensive care. At the same time there is the need to use the parenteral method of subcutaneous infusion (Hypodermoclysis) for a defined time., (© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.)

Psychogenic polydipsia leading to severe hyponatremia is well documented in the literature. This electrolyte disorder can result in encephalopathy, cerebral edema and epileptic seizures. Another rare effect is rhabdomyolysis with all its well known complications (e.g. renal failure, hyperkalemia and cardiac arrhythmia) and even resulting in compartment syndrome due to severe muscle edema. We present the case of a patient with severe hyponatremia caused by psychogenic polydipsia leading to rhabdomyolysis and compartment syndrome.

Background: Fluid therapy is daily routine in the perioperative setting; however, high quality guidelines are lacking. The S3-guideline Intravasal Fluid Therapy in the Adult Patient gives evidence- and consensus-based recommendations for the use of fluids in perioperative and critically ill patients. In addition to identifying hypovolemia and guiding volume replacement, the type of fluid that should be used is addressed., Objectives: The purpose of this article is to present and discuss the recommendations of the S3-guideline with respect to the choice of crystalloids in the perioperative setting., Materials and Methods: A literature search within the scope of the guideline development was performed., Results and Conclusions: In this review the recommendations and their rationale in the perioperative setting are presented. Crystalloids are the basis of fluid therapy. Instead of isotonic saline, buffered solutions are recommended. Regarding the type of buffer (lactate, acetate, malate), no preferences based on outcome data can be made.

Background: Besides albumin, which is gained from human donors, synthetic colloids have been playing a dominant role in treating patients in shock and are standard therapy in intensive care units (ICU). Since the publication of large randomized controlled trials indicating negative effects on renal function, their use has been questioned, especially for hydroxyethyl starch products. The preliminary assumption that these side effects are only existent in first or secondary generation starch fluids was proven incorrect. In fact, the use of hydroxyethyl starch products in critically ill patients is prohibited by the European Medicines Agency., Current Discussion and Indications: Several methodological limitations exist in each of these trials that limit the evidence value of these investigations, although they served as the basis for the negative judgment of the European Medicines Agency. In addition, a large randomized controlled trial on the efficacy of gelatin is lacking. The use of colloids in ICU patients is indicated in cases where crystalloid volume therapy is inadequate., Conclusion: Especially during the first 6 h of sepsis, when aggressive volume therapy is decisive for patient outcome, colloids may be relevant to increase patient survival. The latest guideline on treatment with colloids has been published in the German S3 guideline "Intravascular volume therapy in adults."

Background: Fluid therapy is a core concept in the management of perioperative and critically ill patients for maintenance of intravascular volume and organ perfusion. The clinical determination of the intravascular volume can be extremely difficult. Indication and control for intravascular volume therapy are among the most difficult aspects of intensive care., Materials and Methods: A literature review was performed., Results: The goal of cardiovascular therapy is to enhance adequate blood flow and oxygen delivery to the tissues to meet the varying metabolic demands of the tissues without inducing untoward cardiorespiratory complications. A careful history and clinical examination are indispensable and allow evaluation of tissue and organ perfusion. Laboratory examinations, bedside ultrasonography as well as invasive hemodynamic monitoring complete the assessment and allow guidance of fluid therapy., Conclusions: Case history, clinical examinations, bedside ultrasonography, and invasive hemodynamic monitoring complete the assessment and allow clinicians to assess volume responsiveness.

Notwithstanding the use of colloids, crystalloids have a firm position in today's intensive care: In addition to the substitution as a basic requirement of the human organism or drug carriers, they are primarily used for volume replacement. A common complication is the development of interstitial edema, which is due to the composition of these solutions and the permeability of the glycocalyx.With the large variety available on the market, bicarbonate-based precursor isotonic-balanced full electrolyte solutions have become established in the meantime. The use of 0.9% saline solution is regarded as obsolete. With low cost and a good safety profile, a few relevant aspects, e.g., the risk of hypervolemia and electrolyte imbalance, must be taken into account in the use of crystalloids.

Background: Over the last few decades colloids have played an important part in the stabilisation of patients with acute need of intravascular volume replacement. After the 6S and the CHEST trials were published in 2012 and the subsequent recommendations of the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) there has been some uncertainty about the current clinical relevance and routine use of colloids., Objectives: This article summarizes the current evidence and relevance of colloids in the perioperative environment and in the interventional setting on the basis of the recently published German S3-guidelines for volume therapy in adults., Results: In situations of acute volume resuscitation colloids are still appropriate. Only colloids in balanced solutions should be used. Possible side effects, contraindications and the maximum daily dose have to be taken into consideration when administering colloids.

Hyponatremia is the most commonly occurring electrolyte disorder and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality—independent of the underlying disease. Despite its high prevalence, hyponatremia is often underestimated and inadequately addressed in clinical routine. Depending on disease stage and severity, the electrolyte disorder can present with a wide spectrum of neurological signs and symptoms, ranging from adynamia and gait disturbances, to syncope or coma. While the underlying causes of hyponatremia may be manifold, their identification is crucial to initiating adequate therapeutic measures for symptomatic and causal therapy. The syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (ADH) secretion (SiADH) is the most common cause of hyponatremia, present in 1/3 of hyponatremic patients and usually a result of medication, neurological, respiratory or malignant disease. A differential diagnostic approach using a simple algorithm that includes clinical and laboratory parameters is essential for identifying the underlying cause of hyponatremia and administering goal-directed therapy. The development of vaptans has provided new options in the treatment of SiADH-associated hyponatremia.

How fluid resuscitation has to be performed for acute hemorrhage situations is still controversially discussed. Although the forced administration of crystalloids and colloids has been and still is practiced, nowadays there are good arguments that a cautious infusion of crystalloids may be initially sufficient. Saline should no longer be used for fluid resuscitation. The main argument for cautious fluid resuscitation is that no large prospective randomized clinical trials exist which have provided evidence of improved survival when fluid resuscitation is applied in an aggressive manner. The explanation that no positive effect has so far been observed is that fluid resuscitation is thought to boost bleeding by increasing blood pressure and dilutional coagulopathy. Nevertheless, national and international guidelines recommend that fluid resuscitation should be applied at the latest when hemorrhage causes hemodynamic instability. Consideration should be given to the fact that damage control resuscitation per se will neither improve already reduced tissue perfusion nor hemostasis. In acute and possibly rapidly progressing hypovolemic shock, colloids can be used. The third and fourth generations of hydroxyethyl starch (HES) are safe and effective if used correctly and within prescribed limits. If fluid resuscitation is applied with ongoing re-evaluation of the parameters which determine oxygen supply, it should be possible to keep fluid resuscitation restricted without causing undesirable side effects and also to administer a sufficient quantity so that survival of patients is ensured.

Background: Demographic change has also caused changes in perioperative intensive care because the proportion of geriatric patients who must undergo surgical procedures is increasing. With the current preoperative assessment instruments, it is still not possible to identify high-risk patients of this collective or to make a reliable prognosis concerning postoperative course., Materials and Methods: In addition to pain control, important aspects to minimize complications in postoperative intensive care include adequate oxygenation, adequate fluid management, an adequate supply of energy and nutrients, good control of blood sugar levels, and early mobilization of patients., Results: The perioperative intensive care treatment of geriatric patients requires the readiness to engage in interdisciplinary collaboration because only with this close dialog can the treatment results be sustained.

Introduction: Polytrauma is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in young adults (aged 35-45 years). At 30-40%, traumatic hemorrhage is the most frequent preventable cause of death. Approximately every fourth patient with multiple injuries suffers from trauma-induced coagulopathy., Methods: The current knowledge of prehospital resuscitation of patients with multiple injuries based on a selective literature research and experience in a level I trauma center are presented., Results: Hemorrhagic shock is a clinical diagnosis and the recognition by the first responding emergency physician requires rapid evaluation of the accident situation, injury pattern and patient's hemodynamic status. In the future, tools will help to reliably estimate shock. Development of trauma-induced coagulopathy is multifactorial and is characterized by interaction of tissue damage, shock, hypothermia, acidosis and dilution. Preclinical therapy follows the concept of damage control resuscitation and involves bleeding hemostasis, permissive hypotension with a target systolic blood pressure between 80 and 90 mmHg (≥80 mmHg in presence of traumatic brain injury) by modest infusion of primarily crystalloid solutions, avoiding hypothermia and acidosis., Conclusion: The current knowledge and therapy recommendations are presented.

Severe burns due to electrical accidents occur rarely in Germany but represent a challenge for emergency physicians and their team. Apart from extensive burns cardiac arrhythmia, neurological damage caused by electric current and osseous injury corresponding to the trauma mechanism are also common. It is important to perform a survey of the pattern of injuries and treat acute life-threatening conditions immediately in the field. Furthermore, specific conditions related to burns must be considered, e.g. fluid resuscitation, thermal management and analgesia. In addition, a correct strategy for further medical care in an appropriate hospital is essential. Exemplified by this case guidelines for the treatment of severe burns and typical pitfalls are presented.

The acute pancreatitis is a frequent event with an impressive clinical presentation. Specific treatment does not exist. The goals of the medical measures are to ameliorate complaints and to prevent complications. During recent years, insights into adequate treatment have significantly increased. Recommendations on volume therapy have now been specified. Moreover, progress has been made in the efficient employment of nutritional support, imaging and antibiotic treatment. In addition, the treatment of large or infected necrosis has significantly improved. The article reviews the current state-of-the-art care of acute pancreatitis.

Renal failure patients in the intensive care unit comprise a heterogeneous group of subjects with widely differing metabolic patterns and nutritional requirements. This group includes patients with acute kidney injury (AKI), acute-on-chronic renal failure, chronic kidney disease, and those on regular hemodialysis therapy. Renal failure is associated with a broad spectrum of specific metabolic alterations. In addition to these alterations and the often underrated impact of renal replacement therapy, the metabolism is also affected by the underlying disease process as well as associated organ failures and complications, especially infections. Nutritional support for renal failure is not fundamentally different from other disease processes, but in designing a nutrition regimen the variations in metabolism and nutrient requirements should be considered. Nutritional needs can differ widely between patients but also in the same patient during the course of disease. Thus, patients with renal failure require an individualized approach to nutritional support. Moreover, because of the altered metabolism of many nutrients and the intolerance of fluids and electrolytes, close monitoring of the nutritional therapy is mandatory in patients with renal failure.

Background: Prompt hemorrhage control and adequate fluid resuscitation are the key components of early trauma care. However, the optimal resuscitation strategy remains controversial. In this context the small volume resuscitation (SVR) concept with hypertonic-hyperoncotic solutions is a new strategy., Patients and Methods: This was a retrospective study in the Helicopter Emergency Medical Service over a 5-year period. Included were all major trauma victims if they were candidates for SVR (initially 4 ml HyperHaes/kg body weight, followed by conventional fluid resuscitation with crystalloids and colloids). Demographic data, type and cause of injury and injury severity score (ISS) were recorded and the amount of fluid volume and the hemodynamic profile were analyzed. Negative side-effects as well as sodium chloride serum levels on hospital admission were recorded., Results: A total of 342 trauma victims (male 70.2%, mean age 39.0 ± 18.8 years, ISS 31.6 ± 16.9, ISS>16, 81.6%) underwent prehospital SVR. A blunt trauma mechanism was predominant (96.8%) and the leading cause of injury was motor vehicle accidents (61.5%) and motorcycle accidents (22.3%). Multiple trauma and polytrauma were noted in 87.4% of the cases. Predominant was traumatic brain injury (73.1%) as well as chest injury (73.1%) followed by limb injury (69.9%) and abdominal/pelvic trauma (45.0%). Within the whole study group in addition to 250 ml HyperHaes, mean volumes of 1214 ± 679 ml lactated Ringers and 1288 ± 954 ml hydroxethylstarch were infused during the prehospital treatment phase. There were no statistically significant differences in the amount of crystalloids and colloids infused regarding the subgroups multisystem trauma (ISS>16), severe traumatic brain injury (GCS<9) and entrapment trauma compared to the total study group. In patients with an initial systolic blood pressure (SBP) >80 mmHg significantly less colloids (1035 ± 659 ml vs. 1288 ± 954 ml, p<0.006) were infused, whereas in patients with an initial SBP ≤ 80 mmHg significantly more colloids were infused (1609 ± 1159 ml vs. 1288 ± 954 ml, p<0.002). There was a statistically significant increase in systolic as well as diastolic blood pressure at all times of blood pressure measurement during prehospital treatment after bolus infusion of HyperHaes within the whole study group. The same applies to the subgroups multisystem trauma, severe traumatic brain injury and entrapment trauma. Minor negative side-effects were observed in 4 cases (1.2%). The mean serum sodium chloride profile on hospital admission was 146.9 ± 5.0 mmol/l, the base excess (BE) was -5.7 ± 5.3 mmol/l) and the pH was 7.3 ± 0.1., Conclusion: The concept of small volume resuscitation provides early and effective hemodynamic control. Clinical side-effects associated with bolus infusion of hypertonic-hyperoncotic solutions are rare.

The more than 50 years ago of Holiday and Segar created fundamentals of fluid therapy with sodium hypotonic solutions require revision. Hypotonic electrolyte solutions should not be longer used perioperatively. To maintain the water balance in the perioperative phase stable, children need balanced electrolyte solutions, corresponding to the composition of the extracellular space. Routine glucose supply is not required, only children with an increased risk of hypoglycemia, such as newborns, need a supply of glucose as well as a monitoring of serum glucose. The historic 4-2-1-rule should be replaced by a simpler approach. Fasting deficit and intraoperative maintenance requirement will be covered by an increased rate of infusion of a balanced electrolyte solution. Intraoperative losses and correction needs to be replaced according to clinical criteria. Balanced electrolyte solution with and without 1% glucose are very safe with respect to hyponatremia, hypo-and hyperglycemia, and accidental overinfusion., (© Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart · New York.)

Cardiogenic shock is most commonly a complication of acute myocardial infarction. The ischemic loss of functional myocardium triggers distinct cardiovascular responses which can deteriorate to global pump failure with a mortality rate of more than 50%. Causes of cardiogenic shock beyond myocardial ischemia are very diverse. Decisive management with rapid evaluation, identification of the underlying disease and urgent initiation of supportive measures as well as definitive therapy is of prognostic value. Causal treatment of the cardiac disease is crucial but has to be weighed against the specific surgical circumstances of perioperative patients, particularly concerning anticoagulation, platelet inhibition and bleeding risks. Hemodynamic stabilization is achieved by pharmacological support of myocardial function, control of arrhythmia and volume load. Prevention and intensive care of shock-related multiorgan failure is of pivotal importance in the successful management of cardiogenic shock.

Anaphylaxis, the maximal manifestation of an immediate allergic reaction, is a life-threatening systemic reaction. The immediate therapy is chosen according to the clinical manifestations and new German guidelines are in preparation. Required measures include immediate removal of allergen, adequate positioning, assessment of severity and organ involvement and activation of emergency medical services. In anaphylaxis with primarily cardiovascular involvement, epinephrine is the treatment of choice and given together with volume substitution, oxygen, H(1)-antihistamines and corticosteroids. Obstruction of the airways is treated with intramuscular and inhaled epinephrine, or alternatively β(2)-sympathicomimetics, and oxygen. Abdominal or cutaneous involvement, such as generalized urticaria, usually can be treated with intravenous H(1)-antihistamines, glucocorticoids and surveillance. In patients with anaphylaxis, the elicitor of the reaction has to be diagnosed by allergy testing. Patients with sustained risk for anaphylaxis should receive a self-medication kit and should be educated about behavioral patterns needed for prophylaxis and therapy of anaphylactic reactions. Patient educational intervention increases knowledge about anaphylaxis, and practical competence and thus, is a basis of a successful management of anaphylaxis.