Study protocol and statistical analysis plan for the 20% Human Albumin Solution Fluid Bolus Administration Therapy in Patients after Cardiac Surgery-II (HAS FLAIR-II) trial

BACKGROUND: Fluid bolus therapy with 20% albumin may shorten the duration of vasopressor therapy in patients after cardiac surgery. OBJECTIVE: To describe the study protocol and statistical analysis plan for the 20% Human Albumin Solution Fluid Bolus Administration Therapy in Patients after Cardiac Surgery-II (HAS FLAIR-II) trial. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS AND INTERVENTION: HAS FLAIR-II is a phase 2b, multicentre, parallel group, open-label, randomised controlled trial that will be conducted at six Australian intensive care units. Patients requiring fluid bolus therapy after cardiac surgery will be randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to the intervention of fluid bolus therapy with 20% albumin or a comparator of fluid bolus therapy with a crystalloid solution. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome measure is the cumulative duration of vasopressor therapy. Secondary outcomes include vasopressor use, service utilisation, and mortality. All analyses will be conducted on an intention-to-treat basis. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The study protocol and statistical analysis plan will guide the conduct and analysis of the HAS FLAIR-II trial, such that analytical and reporting biases are minimised. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This trial has been registered with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN No. 12620000137998).