Fraudulent Data May Have Led to Use of Risky Treatment in ICUs

Second look at data on a starch-filled solution finds it may do more harm than good

February 19, 2013 RSS Feed Print

"These findings will reinforce [those] recommendations," he said.

Taylor stressed, however, that it would still be helpful to find alternatives to both albumin and saline.

A person in the intensive care unit (ICU) can have 1-2 liters more of fluid going into their body than out, said Taylor. Each liter weighs 1 kilogram, or 2.2 pounds.

"It's possible to gain anywhere from 8-10 pounds in fluid [in the ICU] so it would be a great to have an alternative to 10 pounds of weight," he said. However, a starch solution "is not a good alternative because it increases the risk of dying or needing dialysis," Taylor said.

More information

There's more on critical care medicine at the U.S. National Library of Medicine.