Sequelae of massive fluid resuscitation in trauma patients

The severely injured trauma patient presents to the critical care unit with multiple physiologic derangements. The sequelae of massive volume infusion necessary to restore tissue oxygenation in hemorrhagic shock include hypothermia, coagulopathies, electrolyte abnormalities, acidosis, and organ dysfunction. Therapeutic interventions are directed toward minimizing and reversing these derangements, rapid restitution of oxygen transport, and tissue oxygen uptake.