Reviewed and approved by the AAEM Board of Directors (3/17/2017).
Answer: Crystalloid solutions remain the resuscitative fluid of choice for patients with sepsis and septi shock. Balanced crystalloid solutions may improve patient-centered outcomes and should be considered as an alternative to 0.9% normal saline (when available) in patients with sepsis. The use of albumin does not improve mortality in patients with sepsis of any severity. Hydroxyethyl starch solutions are associated with increased mortality and should not be used to resuscitate patients with severe sepsis or septic shock.
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