Thy M, et al. - Researchers analyzed data from randomised controlled trials (RCTs) to evaluate the efficacy and adverse effects of hydroxyethyl starch (HES) when administered intra-operatively to paediatric patients. They analyzed trials published before December 2016 involving paediatric patients who received 6% low molecular weight HES by using classical mean differences [and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs)] and trial sequential analysis. For all outcomes, a Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) classification was performed. Findings demonstrated that peri-operative administration of low molecular weight 6% HES for intravascular volume expansion in paediatric patients did not appear to modify renal function, blood loss or transfusion.