Current Controversies in Fluid Resuscitation in Acute Pancreatitis

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is a common inflammatory disorder of the pancreas resulting in considerable morbidity and mortality. Aggressive intravenous fluid resuscitation generally is recommended in all patients with AP and remains the cornerstone of management of these patients. However, the optimal rate, type, and the goal of resuscitation remain unclear. The purpose of this review was to give an insight about the pathophysiologic alterations in the pancreatic microcirculation that occur in AP, the markers for early recognition of severity of pancreatitis, the optimal fluid, and timing and extent of fluid resuscitation. An early elevated hematocrit, blood urea nitrogen, or creatinine should prompt clinicians to institute more intensive early resuscitation measures. Crystalloids are the currently recommended fluids for management of these patients. Current studies are underway to determine the optimal end points of fluid resuscitation that determine outcome.