[Volume status and central venous pressure]

Values of intramural or even transmural central venous pressure (CVP) as well as values of pulmonary artery occluded pressure do not correlate with the values of measured circulating blood volume or with responsiveness to fluid challenge. The veins contain approximately 70% of the total blood volume and are 30 times more compliant than arteries, therefore, changes in blood volume within the veins are associated with relatively small changes in venous pressure. The main reason for a lack of correlation between CVP values and blood volume is that the body does everything possible to maintain homeostasis and adequate transmural CVP is a must for cardiovascular function. The most accurate measurement of volume status would be the mean circulatory filling pressure (MCFP), which cannot be measured in a clinical setting. Stressed volume determines MCFP and directly affects venous return and cardiac output whereas unstressed volume is a reserve of blood that can be mobilized into circulation when needed. Both stressed and unstressed volume cannot be adequately measured. Therefore, considering the complexity of the physiologic feedback and clinical picture, robust reflexes and homeostatic mechanisms, CVP is insufficient as a surrogate parameter for assessing the volume status.