Cancel
OK

You have successfully logged out.

Hello !
chevron_right My profile
chevron_right To My B. Braun overview
Logout

The pivotal role of fluid resuscitation 

Sepsis management in intensive care medicine

Sepsis is among the most serious acute challenges in modern medicine. It is a life-threatening condition characterized by organ dysfunction resulting from a dysregulated immune response to infection, affecting millions of patients worldwide each year and leading to death in up to one third of cases.

  • 0%

    of all global deaths are associated with sepsis1 

  • 0M

    people develop sepsis worldwide every year1 

  • € 0bn

    represent the annual sepsis-related costs in major European countries2 

Sepsis: a leading cause of mortality in intensive care medicine 

Septic shock represents the most severe form of sepsis and is defined by persistent arterial hypotension despite adequate fluid resuscitation, with a substantially higher associated mortality, particularly found in intensive care settings.3,4 

In the treatment of severe sepsis or septic shock, every minute matters. Early recognition and prompt, targeted management within the first hours have a decisive impact on patient survival. One of the most critical therapeutic goals is the rapid achievement of hemodynamic stability as a central component of sepsis management, primarily accomplished through individualized fluid resuscitation.3-5 

GENIUS Study:

Evaluating the efficacy and safety of a balanced gelatin/christalloid regimen for fluid resuscitation in sepsis.6

Register now

Hemodynamic stability is achieved when cardiovascular function is sufficient to ensure continuous and adequate organ perfusion without the occurrence of acute circulatory complications.3 

Infection-related inflammatory and anti-inflammatory responses, predominantly bacterial in origin, but also caused by viral, fungal, or parasitic pathogens.7 

  • Trauma and surgical procedures, particularly emergency interventions or procedures in patients with comorbidities, increase the risk of sepsis.8 
  • Potential consequences include organ dysfunction and secondary infections resulting from immunosuppression.7 
Critical care scene showing a patient with sepsis receiving monitored treatment in a modern clinical environment, supported by advanced medical equipment and attentive health care professionals.

Acute management of sepsis

Emergency recognition and initial actions: Sepsis and septic shock are medical emergencies that require immediate action.

Based on the Surviving Sepsis Campaign guidelines, the following measures are recommended for the early and acute management of sepsis.10

Simple icon illustrating a vertical checklist with square checkboxes and horizontal lines representing list items.

1. Measure lactate level 

Measure serum lactate promptly and remeasure if elevated to track response to resuscitation. 

Minimalistic icon representing a blood sample

2. Obtain blood cultures

Draw appropriate blood cultures prior to antimicrobial therapy, as long as this does not cause substantial delay. 

Icon depicting bacteria being targeted and eliminated, shown as stylized microorganisms crossed out by a diagonal line to represent the action of antibiotics.

3. Administer antibiotics early 3,4,9

Early antimicrobial therapy is crucial in sepsis and should be started promptly, ideally within one hour in septic shock, with treatment tailored to infection type and risk profile.

Icon showing two stylized liquid drops symbolizing the initiation of rapid fluid resuscitation in an emergency care context treating sepsis.

4. Begin rapid fluid resuscitation5

Aiming at an early hemodynamic stabilization, particularly in acute emergency situations. Effective support of hemodynamic function is critical for patient survival.

Two fluid therapy options include:

  • Crystalloids 
  • Crystalloids + colloids 

In peri-interventional acute hypovolemia, volume replacement can be achieved with crystalloids and colloids. Balanced crystalloid and balanced colloid solutions are preferred for peri-interventional volume resuscitation. 

In intensive care patients, crystalloids remain the first-line choice for volume replacement. If hemodynamic targets are not achieved with crystalloids alone, gelatin solutions or human albumin may be considered as adjuncts. Balanced crystalloids and balanced colloids are recommended.

Individualized fluid management is essential to avoid fluid overload. 

Icon illustrating an anatomical human heart, represented with clean, simple line art to symbolize cardiovascular function or heartrelated medical care.

5. Apply vasopressors if hypotension persists 3,4,9

The use of inotropic agents and vasopressors represents a cornerstone in the treatment of septic shock. Septic shock is closely associated with loss of vasomotor tone, leading to systemic vasodilation and hypotension. 

Adjuncts frequently required in early management 3,4,9

Ventilatory support
Ventilatory support is one of the most commonly applied treatments in patients with medical emergencies, including sepsis and septic shock. Both invasive and non-invasive oxygen delivery and respiratory support may be required. 

Renal replacement therapy 
Acute kidney injury resulting from sepsis or septic shock may necessitate renal replacement therapy. The indication for and implementation of renal replacement therapy represent complex and invasive interventions. 

Register now to explore the study

After confirming my data in the activation e-mail, I will receive information on further relevant therapies, products, solutions or events by B. Braun and its contracted distribution partners in future.

The responsible organization is B. Braun Melsungen AG

I can revoke my consent at any time by sending an contact_hospitalcare@bbraun.com or by clicking on the unsubscribe link at the end of any marketing email.

For more information about the processing of your data and your data protection rights, please refer to our privacy notice.

Thank you for your registration.

check_circle

You will soon receive a separate email with a link to the Study..

Your request could not be submitted. Please try again.

warning

References

  1. Rudd KE, et al. Lancet. 2020;395(10219):200‑211. 
  2. Canobbio M, et al. ISPOR Europe 2024; Poster EPH99 (No. 144130). 
  3. Brunkhorst FM, et al. Med Klin Intensivmed Notfmed. 2025;120(Suppl 2):163-231. 
  4. Evans L, et al. Intensive Care Med. 2021;47(11):1181-1247. 
  5. German S3 guidelines on intravascular volume therapy in adults. 2020. AWMF Guideline 001‑020. https://register.awmf.org/de/leitlinien/detail/001-020  Last access February 2026. 
  6. Marx G, et al. J Clin Med. 2025;14(15):5323. 
  7. van der Poll T and Opal SM. Lancet Infect Dis. 2008;8(1):32-43. 
  8. La Via L, et al. Epidemiologia (Basel). 2024;5(3):456-478. 
  9. Guarino M, et al. J Clin MEd. 2023;12(9):3188. 
  10. Surviving Sepsis Campaign. https://www.sccm.org/survivingsepsiscampaign 
    Last access Januar 2026.

 

Take part in our customer survey

Your feedback matters! Participate in our customer survey to help us enhance our website, products and services. Thank you for your support!

Start survey