[Volume therapy: which preparation for which situation?]

The most commonly used fluids for volume therapy are crystalloids and colloids. Crystalloids comprise 0.9% sodium chloride and balanced crystalloids (BC). Colloids can be divided into artificial colloids and human albumin (a natural colloid). Large studies show advantages for BC over 0.9% NaCl with respect to renal endpoints, probably due to the unphysiologically high chloride content of 0.9% NaCl. However, other studies, such as the BaSICS and PLUS trials, showed no significant differences in mortality in a heterogeneous population. Despite this, meta-analyses suggest advantages for BC. Therefore, BC should be preferred, especially in patients at increased risk of acute kidney injury, with acidemia and/or hyperchloremia. Except for specific indications (e.g., in patients with cirrhosis, sepsis resuscitation after initial volume therapy with BC), albumin should not be used. There is clear evidence of harm from hydroxyethyl starch in intensive care patients.