Wiley, Cochrane Library, 2013
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd000567.pub6
Wiley, Cochrane Library, 2000
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd000567
Cochrane Collaboration, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd000567.pub5
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No evidence that colloids are more effective than crystalloids in reducing mortality in people who are critically ill or injured Trauma, burns or surgery can cause people to lose large amounts of blood. Fluid replacement, giving fluids intravenously (into a vein) to replace lost blood, is used to try to maintain blood pressure and reduce the risk of dying. Blood products, non-blood products or combinations are used, including colloid or crystalloid solutions. Colloids are increasingly used but they are more expensive than crystalloids. The review of trials found no evidence that colloids reduce the risk of dying compared with crystalloids.