Crystalloids vs. colloids for fluid resuscitation in the Intensive Care Unit: A systematic review and meta-analysis

J Crit Care. 2019 Apr:50:144-154. doi: 10.1016/j.jcrc.2018.11.031. Epub 2018 Nov 30.

Abstract

Purpose: Guidelines recommend crystalloids for fluid resuscitation in sepsis/shock and switching to albumin in cases where crystalloids are insufficient. We evaluated hemodynamic response to crystalloids/colloids in critically ill adults.

Materials and methods: The primary research question was: "Are crystalloids sufficient for volume replacement in severe indications (intensive care unit [ICU]/critical illness)?" Randomized, controlled trials (RCTs) were identified using PubMed and EMBASE, and screened against predefined inclusion/exclusion criteria. Meta-analyses were performed on extracted data.

Results: Fifty-five RCTs (N = 27,036 patients) were eligible. Central venous pressure was significantly lower with crystalloids than with albumin, hydroxyethyl starch (HES), or gelatin (all p < .001). Mean arterial pressure was significantly lower with crystalloids vs. albumin (mean difference [MD]: -3.5 mm Hg; p = .03) or gelatin (MD: -9.2 mm Hg; p = .02). Significantly higher volumes of crystalloids were administered vs. HES (MD: +1775 mL); volume administered was numerically higher vs. albumin (MD: +1985 mL). Compared with the albumin group, cardiac index was significantly lower in the crystalloid group (MD: -0.6 L/min/m2, p < .001). All mortality and 90-day mortality were significantly lower for crystalloids compared with HES (relative risk 0.91; p = .009 and 0.9; p = .005, respectively).

Conclusions: Crystalloids were less efficient than colloids at stabilizing resuscitation endpoints; guidance on when to switch is urgently required.

Keywords: Colloids; Crystalloids; Fluid resuscitation; Hemodynamic response; ICU; Sepsis.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Meta-Analysis
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Systematic Review

MeSH terms

  • Albumins / therapeutic use*
  • Central Venous Pressure / drug effects*
  • Colloids / therapeutic use*
  • Critical Care / methods*
  • Critical Illness / mortality
  • Crystalloid Solutions / therapeutic use*
  • Fluid Therapy*
  • Gelatin / chemistry
  • Hemodynamics
  • Humans
  • Hydroxyethyl Starch Derivatives / chemistry
  • Intensive Care Units*
  • Isotonic Solutions
  • Resuscitation
  • Shock, Septic / therapy

Substances

  • Albumins
  • Colloids
  • Crystalloid Solutions
  • Hydroxyethyl Starch Derivatives
  • Isotonic Solutions
  • Gelatin