Haemodynamics, fluids & transfusion
Balanced crystalloids versus saline and mortality in hospitalized patients: a hierarchical Bayesian meta-analysis of cluster-randomized trials
Authors' conclusion
Balanced crystalloid policies were not associated with a clear reduction in mortality or AKI in cluster-randomized evaluations of routine care.
Study context
- Population
- Hospitalised patients in perioperative, emergency and critical care settings
- Participants
- 42,223 patients · 6 trials
- Comparison
- Balanced crystalloids vs saline
- Outcome
- All-cause mortality
Methodological detailshierarchical Bayesian random-effects models, cluster-randomised and cluster-allocated trials
- Hierarchical Bayesian random-effects models
- Cluster-randomised and cluster-allocated trials
Pooled result
As reported in the abstract
Pooled Bayesian relative effect, balanced vs saline
0.92
95% CrI 0.77–1.18
Posterior probability of benefit
83%
Further pooled results
Acute kidney injury (AKI)
- Pooled Bayesian relative effect, balanced vs saline
- 1.02 (95% CrI 0.86-1.23)
- Posterior probability of benefit
- 40%
Sensitivity analyses
- Similar findings
Original publication
Balanced crystalloids versus saline and mortality in hospitalized patients: a hierarchical Bayesian meta-analysis of cluster-randomized trials. J Crit Care. Published 26 June 2026. doi:10.
Composed by AI from the published abstract and checked against it. How Briefs are made →