The UHP ultrasound protocol: A novel ultrasound approach to the empiric evaluation of the undifferentiated hypotensive patient

• Published in: The American journal of emergency medicine Vol. 19; no. 4; pp. 299 - 302
• Main Authors: Rose, John S., Bair, Aaron E., Mandavia, Diku, Kinser, Donna J.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Philadelphia, PA Elsevier Inc 01.07.2001; Elsevier
• Subjects: Adult; Aged; Anesthesia. Intensive care medicine. Transfusions. Cell therapy and gene therapy; Aorta, Abdominal - diagnostic imaging; Aortic Aneurysm - diagnostic imaging; Ascitic Fluid - diagnostic imaging; Biological and medical sciences; Cardiac Tamponade - diagnostic imaging; Clinical Protocols; Echocardiography; Emergencies; Emergency and intensive cardiocirculatory care. Cardiogenic shock. Coronary intensive care; Female; Hematoma - diagnostic imaging; Humans; hypotension; Hypotension - diagnostic imaging; Intensive care medicine; Male; Medical sciences; Middle Aged; resuscitation; Splenic Diseases - diagnostic imaging; Ultrasound; hypotension; resuscitation; Ultrasound; Sonography; Human; Spleen; Evaluation; Effusion; Cardiac tamponade; Splenic disease; Aneurysm; Cardiovascular disease; Exploration; Pericardium; Arterial disease; Vascular disease; Case study; Etiology; Heart disease; Arterial hypotension; Echography; Hematoma; Pericardial disease; Aorta; Diagnosis; Aortic disease
• ISSN: 0735-6757; 1532-8171
• DOI: 10.1053/ajem.2001.24481

This report describes a novel sonographic protocol for the evaluation of the undifferentiated hypotensive patient. This protocol combines components of 3 sonographic applications: free fluid, cardiac, and abdominal aorta into a single protocol. We believe this protocol and its underlying principles should be a routine part of the empiric evaluation of the patient with undifferentiated hypotension or pulseless electrical activity.