Lactated Ringers vs Normal Saline in Patients With Acute Pancreatitis: A Bias-Adjusted Meta-analysis

Lactated Ringers vs Normal Saline in Patients With Acute Pancreatitis: A Bias-Adjusted Meta-analysis

This study aims to compare NS and LR in terms of outcomes in patients with acute pancreatitis while addressing the current methodological issues with available meta-analyses on the topic. Such comparison combined with bias adjustment will assist with identifying the optimal fluid rehydration therapy in acute pancreatitis, since most of the available data is conflicted around the topic. A database search will be conducted to identify studies comparing normal saline and ringer's lactate. Existing meta-analyses will be assessed. The results will be discussed in the light of their strengths and limitations and then any deficiencies will be addressed through a new synthesis as a final step of this umbrella review. The primary outcome will be SIRS at 24 hours. OR and 95% confidence intervals will be generated using the quality effects model. Heterogeneity will be evaluated using the I2 statistic. Publication bias will be assessed using the Doi Plot.

Inclusion Criteria:

• RCTs and observational studies that compared NS vs LR in AP patients.
• Studies reviewed must report data as effect estimates or provide raw data sufficient to calculate effect estimates.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Studies involving animal studies, pediatric patient populations, and cell lines will be excluded.

All studies will be reviewed in full form by each author to determine eligibility. In case of disagreement, determination of inclusion will be reached via consensus.