Use of perioperative hydroxyethyl starch 6% and albumin 5% in elective joint arthroplasty and association with adverse outcomes: a retrospective population based analysis.

The article discusses research which examined the association between perioperative fluid resuscitation with hydroxyethyl starch or albumin and adverse outcomes in patients undergoing elective joint arthroplasty procedures. Topics covered include the link between the fluid resuscitation and an increased risk for acute renal failure, the use of standardized billing items in determining the perioperative use of hydroxyethyl starch or albumin and the decline in the use of hydroxyethyl starch.