Multicenter, prospective, phase 3 randomized non-blinded interventional trial of fluid treatment strategies in the first 24 hours for patients with sepsis-induced hypotension. The aim of the study is to determine the impact of a restrictive fluids strategy (vasopressors first followed by rescue fluids) as compared to a liberal fluid strategy (fluids first followed by rescue vasopressors) on 90-day in-hospital mortality in patients with sepsis-induced hypotension.
Primary Hypothesis: Restrictive (vs liberal) fluid treatment strategy during the first 24 hours of resuscitation for sepsis-induced hypotension will reduce 90-day in-hospital mortality.
- We will emphasize early screening and protocol initiation, and enroll a maximum of 2320 patients with suspected sepsis-induced hypotension.
- All patients will receive at least 1 liter of fluids prior to meeting study inclusion criteria (and no more than 3 liters prior to randomization).
- Patients will be enrolled within 4 hours of meeting study inclusion criteria
- Any type of isotonic crystalloid (normal saline, ringers lactate, or a balanced solution such as plasmalyte) is permitted.
- Restrictive Fluids (Early Vasopressors) Group
- Norepinephrine will be used as preferred vasopressor and titrated to achieve mean arterial pressure (MAP) between 65 mmHg and 75 mmHg
- "Rescue fluids" may be administered as 500ml boluses if predefined rescue criteria are met
- Liberal Fluids (Fluids First)
- 2 liter infusion upon enrollment (may forego second liter if MAP/SBP and heart rate are normalized and clinical assessment if patient is fluid replete after the first liter).
- Administer 500ml fluid boluses for fluid triggers until 5 liters administered or development of clinical signs of acute volume overload develop
- "Rescue vasopressors" may be administered after 5 liters of fluid, for development of acute volume overload, or if other predefined rescue criteria are met