Meta-analysis: Hydroxyethyl starch associated with mortality and acute kidney injury in critically ill patients

Source: JAMA Area: News Hydroxyethyl starches are synthetic fluid products widely used for volume resuscitation but clinical trial data are conflicting and have suggested an increased risk of mortality and acute kidney injury. Furthermore, multiple trials from one researcher have been retracted because of scientific misconduct.   This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the association of hydroxyethyl starch on these outcomes with an additional investigation on the influence of the retracted studies.   Investigators searched various databases (to October 2012), reference lists of relevant articles, and grey literature for randomised controlled trials comparing hydroxyethyl starch with other resuscitation fluids (crystalloids, albumin, or gelatine) in critically ill patients receiving acute volume resuscitation.   Of the 38 trials that met the inclusion criteria, the majority were categorised as having an unclear risk or high risk of bias.  The following ...
Source: NeLM - News - Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Source Type: news