Background　The advantages and disadvantages about the clinical application of hydroxyethyl starch（HES） are always an academic debate. The global discussion on HES has been initiated and further deepened by serials of academic counterfeits from professor Boldt since 2010.　Objective　To review the relevant literatures of hydroxyethyl starch and the opinions on its clinical application.　Content　The incident of professor Boldt′s academic counterfeits， the different outcomes of HES in patients with or without sepsis， and a dose-dependent effect of hydroxyethyl starch on the renal function.　Trend　Under certain conditions， HES shows its clinic value. However， special attention should be paid in terms of its advantages and disadvantages.