5th International Fluid Academy Days (IFAD)

After the success of the first 4 IFAD editions on Nov 19th in 2011, Nov 17th 2012, Nov 29-30 in 2013, and Nov 27-29 in 2014, with the last edition being fully booked with over 500 participants; we are very excited to present you the Fifth Anniversary International Fluid Academy Days! A neglected topic for way too long, the interest in fluid therapy seems to be quickly rising as the medical community is making a shift from looking at fluids as a mere method of stabilization towards the appreciation of its relevant side effects. Fluids should be seen as any other drug with indications and contraindications and possible adverse effects.

Many questions remain to be answered indeed. What is the real impact of hyperchloremic metabolic acidosis induced by normal saline? What is the place of colloids? What is the best colloid? Do we still need human albumin? What is the place of the hypertonics? How is the crystalloid vs colloid debate evolving? What will the future bring us? Can capillary leak be treated with colloids instead of worsening it? What are the effects on the microcirculation? So it's all about the type and the dose of the fluid, and the time and the speed of administration.

And there's more! Since fluid overload is no longer seen as a cosmetic problem but as an independent outcome predictor, it must be avoided by all means. Modern hemodynamic monitoring can help the clinician in finding thresholds to start and stop filling patients. We need to establish a place for volumetric vs barometric preload indicators and each new technology has its advantages and disadvantages.

The target audience for the 5th IFAD are all specialists caring for the critical patient: intensivists, anesthaesiologists, emergency physicians, internists, burn care specialists

The 5th IFAD will be preceded by the 3rd CACU (Course on Acute Care Ultrasound) with courses for beginners and advanced users.