Fluid Administration and Fluid Accumulation in the Intensive Care Unit
This international study aims to understand how fluids are given to adult patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) and if too much fluid builds up in their bodies. This 'fluid accumulation' can sometimes affect how well patients recover. Researchers are collecting information from hospitals around the world to get a clearer picture. They want to find out why fluid builds up, how it's managed, and how it impacts patients' health. This study doesn't involve any new treatments or interventions; instead, it uses information already collected as part of routine care. The goal is to learn more about current practices and improve care for critically ill patients in the future.
At a glance
What is this study about?
When people are very unwell and in intensive care (ICU), they often need fluids given through a drip. Doctors and nurses carefully manage these fluids. Sometimes, however, too much fluid can build up in the body, which is called 'fluid accumulation' or 'fluid overload'. We know that this can sometimes make it harder for patients to get better.
This important international study aims to get a better understanding of how fluids are used in ICUs across the world. Researchers want to see how much fluid is given, how often fluid builds up, and what factors might increase the risk of this happening. They also want to understand how fluid build-up is currently managed and, importantly, how it might affect a patient's recovery and overall outcome.
This study is about gathering information from many different hospitals to learn more about current practices. It's hoped that by understanding more about fluid management and fluid accumulation, doctors can make even better decisions to improve care for critically ill patients in the future. It's worth remembering that this study is not testing new medicines or treatments; it's simply observing and collecting existing information.
Key takeaways
- It's about understanding fluid use in intensive care.
- It collects existing medical information, no new treatments.
- Aims to learn how fluid build-up affects recovery.
- Focuses on adult patients in intensive care.
- Findings could help improve care for future patients.
Who may be eligible?
To take part in this study, you would need to be an adult, aged 18 years or older, who has been admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) for an acute (sudden) illness.
There are a few reasons why someone might not be able to join the study. For example, if you've already been part of a previous study called FLUID-ICU, you wouldn't be able to join this one. Also, if you have very severe burns covering a large part of your body (10% or more), you would not be able to participate.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Are you 18 years old or older?
- Have you been admitted to intensive care for a sudden illness?
- Have you NOT been part of the previous FLUID-ICU study?
- Do you NOT have severe burns affecting 10% or more of your body?
What does participation involve?
If you are eligible and agree to take part, you wouldn't need to do anything extra. This study simply collects information that doctors and nurses already record as part of your routine care in the intensive care unit (ICU). This means there are no special visits, extra tests, or new medications involved.
The researchers will follow your progress daily while you are in the ICU, up to a maximum of 28 days or until you are discharged from the ICU, whichever comes first. They will then check in on how you're doing about 90 days (roughly three months) after you were first admitted to the ICU. Again, this follow-up would typically use information already collected or be a simple check-in, not requiring any extra effort from you.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (21)
- Deparment of Intensive care, Nordsjællands hospitalVerified postcodeHillerød, Denmark· Completed
- Department of Intensive Care, Sygehus Sønderjylland AabenraaVerified postcodeAabenraa, Denmark· Not yet recruiting
- Departmen of Intensive CareVerified postcodeAalborg, Denmark· Active not recruiting
- Department of Intensive Care, University hospital AarhusVerified postcodeAarhus, Denmark· Not yet recruiting
- Department of Intensive Care, Rigshospitalet 4131Verified postcodeCopenhagen, Denmark· Recruiting
- Department of Intensive Care, BispebjergVerified postcodeCopenhagen, Denmark· Recruiting
- Department of Intensive Care, Herlev HospitalVerified postcodeHerlev, Denmark· Completed
- Department of Intensive Care, Regionshospital GødstrupVerified postcodeHerning, Denmark· Active not recruiting
- Department of Intensive Care, Zealand University hospitalVerified postcodeKøge, Denmark· Completed
- Department of Intensive Care, Regionshospitalet RandersVerified postcodeRanders, Denmark· Active not recruiting
- Department of Intensive Care, University Hospital Zealand, RoskildeVerified postcodeRoskilde, Denmark· Completed
- Department of Intensive Care, Tampere University HospitalVerified postcodeTampere, Finland· Active not recruiting
Common questions
What is 'fluid accumulation'?
Fluid accumulation means that too much fluid builds up in a patient's body, which can sometimes happen when they are very sick.
Will I receive any new treatments in this study?
No, this study doesn't involve any new treatments or medicines. It only gathers information from your regular medical care.
How long will I be involved in the study?
Researchers will look at your progress daily while you're in the ICU (up to 28 days) and then check in about 90 days after you were admitted to the ICU.
Who can take part in this study?
Adults aged 18 or over who are admitted to intensive care for an acute illness can potentially take part, as long as they haven't been in a similar study before or have very severe burns.
Why is this study important?
This study is important because it aims to provide a clearer picture of how fluids are managed in intensive care around the world, which can help improve care for future patients.
How to find out more
Clara Molin, MD, PhD student
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
Discussion
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