| Methods |
Randomised controlled trial. Blinding not mentioned |
| Participants |
319 patients in a resuscitation service receiving medical (gastrointestinal haemorrhage) and surgical cases. Patients were excluded if they had had a prior allergic reaction |
| Interventions |
1) Gelatin (n = 153)
2) HES (n = 146)
The prescribers chose the quantity of colloid, guided by normal practice |
| Outcomes |
Death
Amount of colloid and RBCs given
Cost |
| Notes |
20 patients lost to follow‐up, no explanation given. Follow‐up to discharge. Information on method of randomisation was obtained on contact with the study author |
| Risk of bias |
| Bias |
Authors' judgement |
Support for judgement |
| Allocation concealment (selection bias) |
High risk |
Inadequate. 'A set of 200 tickets (type 1) and another set of 200 tickets (type 2) were mixed in a box. One ticket was drawn at random for each patient' |
