Doctors often choose between two common fluids to treat patients with acute pancreatitis. One is normal saline, and the other is lactated ringer. A new review looked at many studies to see if one fluid works better than the other for saving lives or reducing inflammation.
The results showed no difference in death rates between the two fluids. This held true for all patients, including those with very severe cases. The chance of needing intensive care or developing organ failure was also the same regardless of which fluid was used.
Some studies found that lactated ringer fluid helped patients leave the hospital faster. This effect was seen in trials and in smaller groups of patients. However, the review could not fully prove benefits for preventing tissue death or organ failure because the studies were not large enough.
Both fluids are safe to use. Experts say doctors should not prefer one over the other right now. More large studies are needed to understand which fluid is best for different types of patients.