What is the goal of conservative fluid management in ARDS treatment?

The goal of conservative fluid management in the treatment of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) is to keep central venous pressure (CVP) levels below a certain threshold, typically around 4 mmHg. This approach aims to minimize fluid overload, which can exacerbate pulmonary edema and impair gas exchange in the lungs. By maintaining a low CVP, clinicians can help reduce the risk of exacerbating respiratory failure and improving patient outcomes.

In ARDS, excessive fluid can lead to increased intrathoracic pressure and decreased lung compliance, worsening the patient's respiratory status. Therefore, conservative fluid management strategies, which often involve careful monitoring and adjustment of fluid intake, are essential to manage lung function effectively while also considering the patient's overall hemodynamic status.