OBJECTIVES: We aimed to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials to summarize the overall association between the choice of fluid (lactated Ringer's [LR] or normal saline [NS]) and clinical outcomes in patients with acute pancreatitis.
METHODS: A systematic literature search was performed in electronic databases to identify eligible randomized controlled trials. Meta-analyses with the random-effects and IVhet models were used to estimate the pooled odds ratio (OR) for outcomes of interest with the administration of LR relative to NS, at 95% confidence intervals (CIs).
RESULTS: There was a significant reduction in the odds of intensive care unit admission and development of local complications, respectively, with the administration of LR among hospitalized patients with acute pancreatitis relative to administration of NS (pooled ORs, 0.33 [95% CI, 0.13-0.81] and 0.43 [95% CI, 0.21-0.89], respectively).
CONCLUSIONS: Our findings are able to assist clinicians in the navigation of the proper choice of fluid in patients with acute pancreatitis.
* Title and MeSH Headings from MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine.