Summary
- Volume depletion is characterised by a reduction in extracellular fluid volume that occurs when salt and fluid losses exceed intake on a sustained basis.
- The most common aetiologies are haemorrhage, vomiting, diarrhoea, diuresis, or third-space sequestration.
- A detailed history and physical examination are crucial in determining the aetiology.
- Signs and symptoms may include some of the following: postural dizziness, fatigue, confusion, muscle cramps, chest pain, abdominal pain, postural hypotension, or tachycardia.
- Clinical symptoms usually do not manifest until large fluid losses have occurred.
- Without proper assessment and timely resuscitation, volume depletion can lead to circulatory collapse and shock.
- May be accompanied by electrolyte disturbance or acid-base disturbance.
- In most situations, isotonic saline is the best initial treatment for volume depletion.
Other related conditions
- Assessment of shock
- Shock
- Diabetes insipidus
- Assessment of nausea and vomiting, adults
- Abdominal aortic aneurysm
- Assessment of upper gastrointestinal bleeding
- Assessment of lower gastrointestinal bleeding
- Peptic ulcer disease
- Diverticular disease
- Addison's disease
- Type 1 diabetes
- Traveller's diarrhoea
- Cutaneous burns
- Pleural effusion
- Assessment of ascites
- Cirrhosis
- Budd-Chiari syndrome
- Acute pancreatitis
- Chronic pancreatitis
- Large bowel obstruction
- Small bowel obstruction
- Acute exacerbation of congestive heart failure
- Anaphylaxis
- Assessment of peripheral oedema
- Overview of acid-base and electrolyte disorders
- Acute renal failure
- Acute tubular necrosis
Last updated: May 28, 2013
