Colloids versus crystalloids for fluid resuscitation in critically ill patients

There is no evidence from randomised controlled trials that resuscitation using colloids compared with crystalloids reduces the risk of death in patients with trauma, burns or following surgery. The use of hydroxyethyl starch might even increase mortality. Since colloid use is not associated with improved survival and colloids are considerably more expensive than crystalloids, it is hard to see how their continued use in clinical practice can be justified.

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