Title: Passive Leg Raise<br/>Author: Mike Winters<br/><a href='http://umem.org/profiles/faculty/141/'>[Click to email author]</a><hr/><p>
<strong><u>Pitfalls with PLR</u></strong></p>
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The passive leg raise (PLR) test has become a popular method to assess volume responsiveness in critically ill patients.</li>
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PLR mobilizes a volume of approximately 150-300 mL and can be used in spontaneously breathing patients, those receiving positive pressure ventilation, or those with various arrhythmias. </li>
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In order to properly perform the PLR, you must have a method to monitor cardiac output. (See previously pearl on 7/26/16).</li>
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<strong>Pitfall: Simply monitoring arterial blood pressure alone is not a sufficient method to assess a positive PLR.</strong></li>
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<strong>Pitfalls:Risks of performing a PLR include increased intracranial pressure, reduced cerebral blood flow, and decreased pulmonary compliance.</strong></li>
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<fieldset><legend>References</legend>
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Aneman A, Sondergaard S. Understanding the passive leg raising test. <em>Intensive Care Med</em>. 2016; 42:1493-5.</p>
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