Inferior vena cava-aortic ratio measurement as a promising modality in assessing intravascular volume in children with sepsis

Hemodynamic monitoring is crucial for the comprehensive management of children with sepsis, particularly those involving the kidneys. Sepsis-associated acute kidney injury (S-AKI) is closely linked to poor outcomes. Recently, ultrasonography modalities have been widely accepted as a non-invasive, rapid, and reliable tool for assessing volume status. We conducted research to determine intravascular volume based on ultrasound examination in S-AKI patients.

A prospective cohort study was conducted between December 2023 and March 2024 in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) at Hasan Sadikin General Hospital. We divided the patients into two groups: those with sepsis without AKI and those with S-AKI. The intravascular volume was measured by the IVC/Ao (inferior vena cava/abdominal aorta) ratio using two-dimensional ultrasonography and USCOM before and 24 h after fluid treatment. The results were analyzed using SPSS 25, with a significance level of p < 0.05.

A total of 36 pediatric patients (aged 1 month–18 years) with sepsis were included. The IVC/Ao ratio before and after the fluid intervention demonstrated significant differences between the two groups (p < 0.001). USCOM Cardiac Index (CI) before and after the intervention also showed significant differences between the two groups (p < 0.001). Patients with S-AKI exhibited a poor hemodynamic response in the IVC/Ao ratio two-dimensional ultrasonography and USCOM examination.

IVC/Ao ratio measurement is as accurate as USCOM and can be used as a simple and cost-effective alternative for hemodynamic monitoring.