Cross-Sectional Guidelines for Therapy with Blood Components and Plasma Derivatives (4th revised edition, 2008) – Suspension of Chapter 5 ‘Human Albumin’

Due to the discovery of grave scientific misconduct [1, 2] by Prof. Dr J. Boldt, the co-author of the Cross-Sectional Guidelines for Therapy with Blood Components and Plasma Derivatives [3], the Scientific Advisory Board has decided to terminate its collaboration with this author with immediate effect.

In light of current knowledge, the necessity has arisen to review further publications by the same author in addition to the one involved in above-mentioned misconduct case [4], particularly those concerning the use of hydroxyethyl starch for therapeutic purposes.

Against this background, Chapter 5 ‘Human Albumin’ of the Cross-Sectional Guidelines, which in its recommendations repeatedly refers to Prof. Dr. J. Boldt's publications, is immediately suspended. Until publication of the revised edition, differential therapeutic decisions should not be based on the treatment recommendations contained in this chapter.

This suspension has become necessary since, despite an extensive process of consensus building on the Cross-Sectional Guidelines among the members of the Permanent Working Group and the plenum of the Scientific Advisory Board as well as consultation with more than 80 scientific associations, the possibility cannot be ruled out with sufficient certainty that collaboration with and the publications of this co-author have influenced the contents of the recommendations in a potentially inappropriate manner.

The early revision and updating of Chapter 5 of the Cross-Sectional Guidelines by a working group of the Scientific Advisory Board has been initiated. As before, the revision process will comprise extensive consultation with relevant experts and specialist institutions.