 Colloid solutions are widely used for volume replacement therapy because of their high oncotic pressure, which could reduce interstitial fluid shifting. Human albumin is the only colloid solution of biologic origin with a molecular weight of 60 kDa. As the most abundant plasma protein, it has physiological importance in the well-being of the endothelial glycocalyx. Older studies in septic patients, however, did not show any benefit of albumin over saline solution. Crystalloid solutions, such as Ringers acetate, do not impair neither renal function nor coagulation, but their volume expanding effect is questionable. 