Hemodynamics, fluids & transfusion
Effects of fluids on sublingual microcirculation: a point of view review
Authors' conclusion
Fluid administration probably improves sublingual microcirculation when tissue perfusion is altered and cardiac output increases. The superiority of any solution for this purpose has not been clearly demonstrated.
Study context
- Population
- Critically ill and surgical patients8 observational, 4 controlled trials
- Comparison
- Fluid administration and different fluid solutions
- Outcome
- Sublingual microcirculation
Methodological detailsSome studies have severe limitations: inadequate microcirculation analysis, compression artifacts in video acquisition
- Some studies have severe limitations: inadequate microcirculation analysis, compression artifacts in video acquisition
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
- Most studies showed fluid resuscitation can improve microcirculation, especially with fluid responsiveness and tissue hypoperfusion
- No benefit of hypertonic over isotonic hydroxyethyl starch (1 controlled trial)
- Improved microcirculation after early goal-directed therapy with hydroxyethyl starch vs 0.9% NaCl (1 controlled trial); small samples, inconclusive
- Albumin superior to balanced solution in 100 septic patients; conclusion flawed by methodological problems
- Superiority of balanced crystalloids over 0.9% NaCl not consistently demonstrated in basic research
Original publication
Effects of fluids on sublingual microcirculation: a point of view review. Ann Intensive Care. Published 17 November 2025. doi:10.
Composed by AI from the published abstract and checked against it. How Briefs are made →