“FLUID ASSESSMENT THROUGH INFERIOR VENA CAVA DIAMETER USING ULTRASOUND AND CENTRAL VENOUS CATHETER PRESSURE”

Abstract

Background: Accurate intravascular volume assessment in critically ill patients remains challenging. Traditional reliance on clinical examination and vital signs is often inaccurate. Objective: To determine the correlation between IVC diameter assessed by ultrasound and CVP measurement for evaluating intravascular volume status in critically ill patients. Methodology: This cross-sectional study will be conducted in the Anesthesia Department of Shaikh Zayed Hospital, Lahore, from November 2024 to May 2025. A total of 130 critically ill patients aged 18–80 years with a functioning central venous catheter inserted within the preceding 24 hours will be enrolled through non-probability consecutive sampling. IVC diameters will be measured 2–3 cm from the IVC–right atrial junction in longitudinal and transverse views. CVP will be measured using a manometer at the phlebostatic axis. Results: Preliminary analysis suggests a significant positive correlation between maximum IVC diameter and CVP (r ≈ 0.28–0.30, p < 0.05). A similar correlation is observed between minimum IVC diameter and CVP. IVC diameter categories correlate with CVP-derived volume status. Conclusion: Ultrasonographic IVC diameter shows a statistically significant correlation with CVP, indicating that IVC measurement can serve as a reliable, non-invasive tool for assessing intravascular volume in critically ill patients. Routine use of ultrasound may reduce reliance on invasive CVP monitoring and decrease associated risks.