LAUSR

A  review of the literature to determine the ability of the assessment of a patient's body fluid status by ultrasound methods. Assessment of a patient's body fluid status is a challenging task for modern clinicians. Ultrasonography has many advantages, the most important being the reproducibility of the examination and bedside monitoring of the patient. The examination is quick and of significant diagnostic value. The bibliography from the databases (Pubmed, Medline) has been fully reviewed up to February 2019. Data from published reports and clinical observations prove that the quick and noninvasive ultrasound examination facilitates the assessment of intravascular volume status, and the results correlate with other modalities, including invasive methods. Ultrasound allows physicians to determine the baseline status of hydration and to control the patient during fluid therapy. Additionally, asymptomatic patients can be assessed, as well as those patients well adapted to chronic oxygen deficiency, who develop pulmonary congestion secondary to congestive heart failure or chronic kidney disease. Progress in ultrasound techniques (blood vessels, heart, lungs) facilitates the assessment of intravascular volume status, the results of which correlate with those obtained through invasive methods. Designing the protocol for assessing volume status through the use of ultrasound would significantly facilitate the everyday practices of specialists in internal medicine.