Fig. 2

Hemodynamic monitoring during fluid depletion allows the assessment of both efficacy (i.e. decrease in intravascular pressure through central venous pressure (CVP) monitoring) and tolerance through stable stroke volume. Fluid depletion (from a to b) should indeed aimed at decreasing intravascular venous pressure without compromising the gradient between mean systemic pressure (Pms) and right atrial pressure (RAP) or CVP, and therefore maintaining venous return and cardiac output (CO). Excessive or inappropriate fluid removal may lead to a higher decrease of Pms than CVP, therefore compromising venous return and CO (c)