Fig. 2
Flowchart of the investigational treatment. LUS is performed daily after stabilisation and a recommendation towards fluid balance for the next 24 h is given based on LUS findings. Insensible loss is not taken into account for the fluid balance. 1: if some of these clinical signs are not related to hypoperfusion, these signs can be disregarded at the discretion of the treating physician. 2: significant pleural effusion: > 1 cm lateral fields (R3, R4, L3, L4), > 2 cm posterior fields (R5, R6, L5, L6). 3: hypoperfusion is defined by new development of mottled skin, capillary refill time > 3 s, or new oliguria (urine output < 0.3–0.5 ml/kg/h for the previous 6 h). 4: until norepinephrine > 0.2 μg/kg/min. Fluid boluses can be given if hypotension persists