Use of Lactated Ringers Solution Compared With Normal Saline Is Associated With Shorter Length of Stay in Pediatric Acute Pancreatitis.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study was to evaluate lactated ringers (LR) versus normal saline (NS) in pediatric acute pancreatitis (AP).

METHODS

This retrospective study used Pediatric Health Information System database of primary AP patients, 2013 to 2017.

RESULTS

The study included 1581 first time AP patients with exclusive use of a single fluid (111 LR, 1470 NS) for the first 48 hours. The LR cohort had a significantly shorter length of stay (P < 0.001) compared with NS. A multivariable logistic regression analysis suggests use of NS in the first 48 hours (after controlling for total parenteral nutrition, operation, and infection during the admission) had a significantly increased likelihood of requiring a hospitalization for 4 days or more compared with the LR group (odds ratio, 3.31; 95% confidence interval, 1.95-5.62). The overall cost was significantly less in the LR group. There was no statistical difference observed in risk factors for AP, intensive care transfer, organ dysfunction, or mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

This represents the first large data set analysis of LR versus NS in pediatric AP. The use of LR was associated with a shorter length of stay and reduced cost compared with NS. Future randomized trials will help determine the ideal fluid choice for pediatric AP.