Do critically ill people in need of fluid resuscitation benefit more from colloids or crystalloids?
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Why is this study important?
Intravenous (IV) colloids include both natural (e.g., albumin or fresh frozen plasma [FFP]) and synthetic (e.g., starches, dextrans, or gelatins) solutions. Because of their larger molecules, colloids can increase the intravascular volume to a greater extent than crystalloids (isotonic or hypertonic). However, they are more expensive, and because of their larger size, they stay in the body longer and may be associated with acute kidney injury (AKI), bleeding, and increased mortality. This updated systematic review and metanalysis examines comparative benefits and risks of colloids versus crystalloids in critically ill patients.
Which, if any, threats to validity are most likely to have an impact on the results and how?
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