Non-aggressive Lactated Ringer's resuscitation improves outcomes and has a favorable safety profile in acute pancreatitis: a comprehensive systematic review and component network meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials using GRADE and CINeMA approaches
In brief
Lactated Ringer cuts risk of severe acute pancreatitis by about half
In a network meta-analysis of 12 trials (1,216 patients), early Lactated Ringer infusion halved the odds of progressing to moderately severe or severe pancreatitis and halved local complication rates, while shortening hospital stay by roughly one day versus normal saline. Aggressive fluid regimens tripled adverse events without added benefit, supporting a moderate, goal-directed Lactated Ringer strategy, though overall evidence certainty remains modest.
- Journal
- Pancreatology : official journal of the International Association of Pancreatology (IAP) ... [et al.] (Q1)
- Published
- 5 August 2026
- Study design
- Systematic review / meta-analysis of RCTs
- Evidence level
- Level 1, High (CEBM 1a)
- Authors
- Vincenzo D'Ambra, Claudio Ricci, Carlo Ingaldi, Laura Alberici, Leonardo Henry Eusebi, Enrique De Madaria, et al.
- PMID
- 42648911
- DOI
- 10.1016/j.pan.2026.08.007
Why clinicians should know about it
- Picked for Gastroenterology (top studies of the week, 30 August 2026): Systematic review of fluid resuscitation in acute pancreatitis
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Acute pancreatitis (AP) frequently requires early fluid resuscitation to restore intravascular volume, preserve pancreatic perfusion, and prevent organ failure. However, the optimal fluid type and resuscitation strategy remain controversial. METHODS: We performed a component network meta-analysis (CNMA) of randomized controlled trials comparing fluids (normal saline [NS], lactated Ringer [LR], other balanced multi-electrolyte solutions [BMES], and naso-jejunal hydration solution [NJ]) and resuscitation strategies (aggressive vs. non-aggressive) in patients with new-onset AP. Primary endpoints were progression to moderately severe or severe AP, systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS), and adverse events. Secondary endpoints included mortality, local complications, organ failure, and length of stay (LOS). Incremental component effects were expressed as incremental odds ratios (iOR) or mean differences (iMD). Certainty of evidence was evaluated using CINeMA and GRADE. RESULTS: Twelve trials (1216 patients) were included. LR significantly reduced progression to moderately severe/severe AP (iOR 0.51; 95% CI 0.33; 0.79) and pancreatitis-related local complications (iOR 0.53; 95% CI 0.33; 0.85). BMES and LR reduced LOS by approximately 4 and 1 day, respectively, compared with NS. Aggressive resuscitation increased adverse events (iOR 3.35; 95% CI 1.52; 7.37). Heterogeneity and inconsistency were generally low for primary endpoints. CONCLUSIONS: Balanced crystalloids, particularly LR, are associated with improved clinical outcomes compared with NS in early AP management, reducing disease progression, local complications, and hospital stay. Aggressive fluid regimens increase adverse events without a clear benefit. These findings support the preferential use of LR within a moderate, goal-directed resuscitation strategy, although the certainty of evidence was generally low to moderate due to risk of bias and imprecision.
Abstract as published, via PubMed.
For healthcare professionals. The summary is generated by AI from the published abstract, and the evidence level is assigned automatically from the study design on the Oxford CEBM hierarchy. Neither is medical advice. Read the full paper before changing practice.