Restrictive Versus Liberal or Standard Intravenous Fluid Administration in Patients with Sepsis or Septic Shock: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Sepsis and septic shock are leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide, with effective management being critical to improving patient outcomes. Intravenous (IV) fluid resuscitation is a cornerstone of treatment in septic patients; however, the optimal fluid management strategy remains controversial. This systematic review examines the impact of restrictive versus liberal or standard fluid resuscitation strategies on mortality in patients with sepsis or septic shock. The review included eight randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving 2,375 patients. The primary outcome was mortality within 90 days. Secondary outcomes included the use of mechanical ventilation, vasopressor requirements, renal replacement therapy, and the occurrence of adverse events such as limb ischemia and acute kidney injury. The findings suggest no significant difference in mortality between restrictive and liberal fluid administration. However, restrictive strategies may reduce the need for mechanical ventilation and vasopressor support. These results highlight the need for individualized fluid resuscitation strategies in septic patients, tailored to clinical circumstances. Further large-scale studies are recommended to confirm these findings and optimize fluid management protocols.