Fig. 3

Sequential network meta-analyses (SNMA) over sepsis patient mortality analysis among a balanced crystalloids versus saline, b balanced crystalloids versus low molecular weight hydroxyethyl starch (L-HES), c balanced crystalloids versus albumin, and d balanced crystalloids versus gelatin. Y-axis represent the z scores for effect sizes, and green dots (trials) and green line along the X-axis show the trend of cumulating evidence toward achieving maximal information. The blue line represents the SNMA efficacy boundary, and orange line represents the futility boundary. The green dots and green line start in the middle; when they pass the blue line, this indicates that a significant difference in the outcome between the two treatments has been attained. When they pass the orange line, this suggests no difference in the outcome between the two treatments. I iso-oncotic albumin, H hyperoncotic albumin