Alternative Medical Terms for Volume Contraction
The medical term "volume depletion" is the most commonly used alternative term for volume contraction. 1, 2
Understanding Volume Contraction vs. Dehydration
- Volume contraction (or volume depletion) specifically refers to a reduction in extracellular fluid volume, particularly affecting the intravascular space 2
- This is distinct from dehydration, which refers to total-body water loss resulting in hypertonicity 2
- Volume contraction implies blood volume contraction, while dehydration (hypertonicity) implies intracellular volume contraction 2
Clinical Context and Terminology
- Volume contraction/depletion typically occurs following excessive losses of fluid and electrolytes, such as with bleeding, vomiting, and diarrhea 1
- It can be described as "reduced volume of extracellular fluids only, due to loss of fluids and electrolytes" 1
- Some literature also refers to it as "salt loss" or "extracellular dehydration" 1
- In specific clinical contexts, terms like "intravascular volume contraction" may be used to emphasize the vascular component 3
Pathophysiological Considerations
- Volume contraction can result from excessive natriuresis (sodium loss), leading to fluid shifts out of the intravascular space 4
- In some conditions, it may be described as "contracted plasma volume syndrome" when referring specifically to reduction in plasma volume 5
- Volume contraction can be primary (due to salt and water deficit or capillary leak) or secondary (due to reduction in vascular compartment volume) 5
Clinical Assessment
- Volume depletion following excessive blood loss can be assessed using postural pulse change or severe postural dizziness 1
- A person with volume depletion following fluid and salt loss may present with confusion, non-fluent speech, extremity weakness, dry mucous membranes, dry tongue, furrowed tongue, and sunken eyes 1
- The presence of at least four of these seven signs suggests moderate to severe volume depletion 1
Management Approach
- Treatment of volume contraction/depletion involves administration of isotonic fluids via oral, nasogastric, subcutaneous, or intravenous routes 1
- Large volumes of hypotonic fluids should be avoided in volume-contracted states 1
- Monitoring volume status may require central venous pressure measurements, pulmonary wedge pressure assessment, and fluid balance calculations 1