Transthoracic ultrasound assessment of B-lines for identifying the increment of extravascular lung water in shock patients requiring fluid resuscitation

Introduction: Several studies have shown that the number of B-lines was related to the amount of extravascular lung water (EVLW). In our study, we aimed to demonstrate the magnitude of the incremental B-lines in shock patients with positive net fluid balance and the association with gas exchange impairment. Materials and Methods: We performed trans-thoracic ultrasound at admission (T-0) and at follow-up period (T-FL) to demonstrate the change of B lines (Delta B-lines) after fluid therapy. We compared the total B-line score (TBS) at T-0 and T-FL and calculated the Pearson's correlation coefficient between the Delta B-lines and PaO2/FiO(2) ratio. Results: A total of 20 patients were analyzed. All patients had septic shock. Net fluid balance was + 2228.05 +/- 1982.15 ml. The TBS at T-0 and T-FL were 36.6 +/- 23.73 and 63.80 +/- 29.25 (P < 0.01). The.B-lines along anterior axillary line (AAL) correlated to the Delta TBS (r = 0.90, P < 0.01). The Delta B-lines along AAL had inverse correlation to PaO2/FiO(2) ratio (r = -0.704, P < 0.05). The increase of B-lines >= 10 was related to the decrease of PaO2/FiO(2) ratio. The inter-observer reliability between two ultrasound readers was high (r = 0.92, P < 0.01). Discussion: The number of B-lines increased in shock patients with positive net fluid balance and correlated to impaired oxygenation. These data supported the benefit of ultrasound for assessing the EVLW.