Human albumin 4% versus hydroxyethyl starch 6% for fluid resuscitation in sepsis

Background Early fluid resuscitation is vital to patients with sepsis. However, the choice of fluid has been a hot topic of discussion. The objective of this study was to compare hydroxyethyl starch (HES) 6% (130/0.4) with albumin 4% as a resuscitation fluid in septic patients. Patients and methods In this prospective randomized study, 80 patients aged 20–60 years of both sexes with sepsis were assigned to receive either HES (130/0.4) in 0.9% saline or human albumin 4% as a resuscitation fluid. Mortality rate after 28 days, need for renal replacement therapy, and duration of ICU stay were compared between the two groups. Results The mortality rate in the albumin group (22.5%) was lower than in the HES 6% group (40%) with significant P value (0.033). Also, the need for renal replacement therapy (RRT) and length of ICU stay were significantly higher in the HES 6% group compared with the albumin group. Conclusion Use of human albumin 4% has a significant effect in reducing mortality rates in the ICU in patients with severe sepsis compared with HES 6%.