ICU management based on PiCCO parameters reduces duration of mechanical ventilation and ICU length of stay in patients with severe thoracic trauma and acute respiratory distress syndrome

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to assess whether a management algorithm using data obtained with a PiCCO system can improve clinical outcomes in critically ill patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). RESULTS: The PaO(2)/FiO(2) ratio increased over time in both groups, with a sharper increase in the PiCCO group. There was no difference in 28-day mortality (3.2 vs. 3.6%, P = 0.841). Days on mechanical ventilation (3 vs. 5 days, P = 0.002) and ICU length of stay (6 vs. 11 days, P = 0.004) were significantly lower in the PiCCO group than in the CVP group. Treatment costs were lower in the PiCCO group than in the CVP group. Multivariate logistic regression model showed that the monitoring method (PiCCO vs. CVP) was independently associated with the length of ICU stay [odds ratio (OR) 3.16, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.55–6.63, P = 0.001], as well as shock (OR 3.41, 95% CI 1.74–6.44, P = 0.002), shock and ARDS (OR 3.46, 95% CI 1.79–6.87, P = 0.002), and APACHE II score (OR 1.17, 95% CI 1.02–1.86, P = 0.014). CONCLUSIONS: This study investigated the usefulness of the PiCCO system in improving outcomes for patient with severe thoracic trauma and ARDS and provided new evidence for fluid management in critical care settings. ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13613-016-0217-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.