Fluid Resuscitation in Animal Models of Sepsis: A Comprehensive Review of the Current State of Knowledge

Sepsis, the systemic response to infection, is the leading cause of death in intensive care units, worldwide. Mortality rates of sepsis exceed 20%, highlighting the need for new approaches of therapy for this disease. Intravenous fluid resuscitation plays a crucial role in sepsis therapy. Most preclinical studies demonstrate an association between IV fluid therapy and improved outcomes in sepsis. The purpose of this review is to summarize the preclinical studies examining outcomes of sepsis associated with different resuscitation fluid types and volume in animal models, and to review studies that have investigated underlying mechanisms by which fluid resuscitation is thought to improve outcomes in sepsis. Data obtained from preclinical studies differ due to use of varied animal species and models of sepsis. The development of appropriate animal models of sepsis and design of experiments that closely mirror the clinical progression of this disease are paramount to enhance our knowledge and understanding of sepsis pathophysiology and develop effective therapies to improve outcomes associated with sepsis.