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Pro/con debate: Should synthetic colloids be used in patients with septic shock?

James Downar1 and Stephen E Lapinsky2*

Author Affiliations

1 Divisions of Critical Care and Palliative Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, 190 Elizabeth Street, Toronto M5G 1X5, Canada

2 Intensive Care Unit, Mount Sinai Hospital, 600 University Ave, Toronto M5G 1X5 and Interdepartmental Division of Critical Care, University of Toronto, 30 Bond Street, Toronto, M5B 1W8, Canada

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Critical Care 2009, 13:203 doi:10.1186/cc7147

Published: 29 January 2009

Abstract

You have recently heard reports that synthetic colloids may be associated with renal failure and other morbidities in certain populations of critically ill patients. You have been asked by the hospital chief of staff whether there should be a suspension of the use of synthetic colloids until further information is available. You need to make a decision.