Australasian Resuscitation In Sepsis Evaluation: FLUid or Vasopressors In Emergency Department Sepsis

Condition(s) studied

Investigational drug(s) / intervention(s)

Vasopressor: Cease IV fluid resuscitation. If persisting hypotension and/or hypoperfusion commence a vasopressor infusion (e.g. noradrenaline) and titrate according to local practice to achieve target MAP. The target MAP will be determined by the treating clinician. Reassess at least hourly for up to 6 hours post-randomisation, then as clinically required in conjunction with the protocol. Boluses of 250ml of IV fluids are permitted if deemed indicated by the treating clinician.

Fluids: An fluid bolus of up to 1000ml will be administered over a maximum of 1 hour, if required, for persisting hypotension and/or hypoperfusion. Reassess at least hourly to 6 hours post-randomisation, then as clinically required in conjunction with the protocol. Further IV fluid boluses of 500ml are recommended as clinically indicated to achieve the target MAP. The target MAP will be determined by the treating clinician. Haemodynamic resuscitation will be guided by usual clinical assessment including vital signs, mentation, perfusion, and urine output until the treating clinician determines fluid resuscitation is no longer clinically required. A minimum of 2-3 L (30 ml/kg), including pre-randomisation fluids, is recommended within 3 hours of ED arrival consistent with the SSC guidelines, unless clinically contraindicated. Vasopressors may be commenced if blood pressure remains below target despite optimal fluid resuscitation as determined by the treating clinician.

Study summary

This multicentre, randomised controlled trial will enrol 1000 patients presenting with septic shock to the emergency department (ED) of participating hospitals in Australia and New Zealand. Participants will receive haemodynamic resuscitation with either a restricted fluids and early vasopressor regimen or a larger initial IV fluid volume with later introduction of vasopressors if required. Clinical care including the type of resuscitation fluid and vasopressor agent, will otherwise be in accordance with accepted standard care and according to clinician discretion. The study intervention will be delivered for at least 6 hours and up to 24 hours post-randomisation. Participants will be followed for up to 12 months and outcomes analysed on an intention-to-treat basis.

Eligibility

Primary outcome measure(s)

• Days alive and out of hospital — From randomisation until 90 days post- randomization
  the number of days alive and out of hospital at 90 days post randomization

Trial sites (50)

+ 10 more sites — see the full list on the official registry below.