Effects of a predominantly hydroxyethyl starch (HES)-based and a predominantly non HES-based fluid therapy on renal function in surgical ICU patients.

This before-and-after retrospective study reported that cumulative doses > 33 mL/kg of either 6% HES 130/0.4 or 4% modified fluid gelatin may be associated with a higher risk of acute renal failure in surgical ICU patients. This study presents several limitations that hampers a clear interpretation of the results.

– Philippe Van der Linden