Improving fluid resuscitation in pediatric shock with LifeFlow^®: a retrospective case series and review of the literature

Abstract

Rapid delivery of an intravenous fluid bolus is commonly used in pediatric emergency care for the treatment of shock and hypotension. Early fluid delivery targeted at shock reversal results in improved patient outcomes, yet current methods of fluid resuscitation often limit the ability of providers to achieve fluid delivery goals. We report on the early clinical experience of a new technique for rapid fluid resuscitation. The LifeFlow^® infuser is a manually operated device that combines a syringe, automatic check valve, and high-flow tubing set with an ergonomic handle to enable faster and more efficient delivery of fluid by a single health care provider. LifeFlow is currently FDA-cleared for the delivery of crystalloid and colloids. Four cases are presented in which the LifeFlow device was used for emergent fluid resuscitation: a 6-month-old with septic shock, a 2-year-old with intussusception and shock, an 11-year-old with pneumonia and septic shock, and a 15-year-old with trauma and hemorrhagic shock.

Keywords:

• hypotension
• sepsis
• septic shock
• fluid therapy

Disclosure

Mark Piehl is the inventor of the LifeFlow device discussed in this manuscript,  is a shareholder, the Chief Medical Officer, and Co-Founder of 410 Medical, Inc., reports a salary from the company, and has a patent issued: 15/612,709; he reports no other conflicts of interest in this work. The other authors report no conflicts of interest in this work.