blood volume loss and hemodynamic

Q: Supine hypotension in an acute gastrointestinal bleed (GIB) indicates at least what percentage of total body blood loss?


Answer: 40 percent

Assessment of hemodynamic provides a good clue of total blood loss. 

• Only resting tachycardia is probably due to less than 15 percent of blood volume loss
• Orthostatic hypotension is consistent with at least 15 percent of blood volume loss
• Supine hypotension is consistent with at least 40 percent of blood volume loss

#gastroenterology
#hemodynamic


Reference:

1. Cappell MS, Friedel D. Initial management of acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding: from initial evaluation up to gastrointestinal endoscopy. Med Clin North Am 2008; 92:491.