Background. Critically ill people may lose fluid because of serious conditions, infections (e.g. sepsis), trauma, or burns, and need additional fluids urgently to prevent dehydration or kidney failure. Colloid or crystalloid solutions may be used for this purpose.

Why would a patient be prescribed a colloid infusion?

Colloids can be considered in cases of severe or acute shock or hypovolaemia resulting from sudden plasma loss. A combined regimen of crystalloid and colloid may also be useful for patients who might require large volumes of crystalloid alone.

What is the purpose of colloid solution administration?

The administration of colloids restores the intravascular volume with minimal risk of tissue edema in comparison with crystalloid solutions alone. However, colloids are always given for surgical and critically ill patients.