Fluid resuscitation with lactated Ringer’s solution vs normal saline in acute pancreatitis: A triple-blind, randomized, controlled trial

BackgroundLittle is known regarding the optimal type of fluid resuscitation in acute pancreatitis (AP).ObjectiveThe objective of this article was to compare the effect of lactated Ringer’s solution (LR) vs normal saline (NS) in the inflammatory response in AP.MethodsWe conducted a triple-blind, randomized, controlled trial. Patients ≥ 18 admitted with AP were eligible. Patients were randomized to receive LR or NS. Primary outcome variables were number of systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) criteria at 24 hours, 48 hours and 72 hours and blood C-reactive protein (CRP) levels at 48 hours and 72 hours. In vitro complementary experiments were performed to further explore the interaction between pH, lactate and inflammation.ResultsNineteen patients receiving LR and 21 receiving NS were analyzed. The median (p25–p75) number of SIRS criteria at 48 hours were 1 (1–2) for NS vs 1 (0–1) for LR, p = 0.060. CRP levels (mg/l) were as follows: at 48 hours NS 166 (78–281) vs LR 28 (3–124), p = 0.037; at 72 ho...