Acute pulmonary oedema management

Include in assessment

  • ECG â€“ the acute LVF may be caused by ACS or an arrhythmia
  • CXR
  • Echocardiogram
  • Catheterise and implement strict fluid balance charting 
  • Serial weights
  • B-type natriuretic peptide
  • Troponin if ACS suspected
  • ABG

Initial ABCDE approach

Follow usual ABCDE approach if critically ill.

Treatment – POND

  • Position (sit up)
  • Oxygen (high-flow initially; titrate to keep oxygen saturations 92-96%, consider CPAP on CCU or HDU if required)
  • Nitrates in severe pulmonary oedema (GTN infusion if SBP >110, or 2 puffs GTN spray if SBP 90-110) 
  • Diuretic if fluid overloaded or usually on it (e.g. furosemide 40mg IV initially) 
  • +treat cause

Identify and treat cause

  • ACS → see notes on ACS
  • Arrhythmia → see notes on arrhythmias
  • Tamponade → pericardiocentesis
  • Acute aortic/mitral regurgitation → valve replacement
  • Hypertensive crisis → BP management
  • Fluid overload → regular furosemide

Further interventions if required

  • CPAP if hypoxaemic despite above interventions
  • Inotropes ± intra-aortic balloon pump in ICU if in cardiogenic shock (hypotension + overload)

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What is the formula to determine cardiac output?

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What is preload, contractility and afterload? How are they related to stroke volume? What happens to these in heart failure?

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In a patient admitted with fluid overload receiving intravenous diuresis, what is your daily fluid balance and weight loss target?

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