Efficacy of Combining Aggressive Hydration With Rectal Indomethacin in Preventing Post-ERCP Pancreatitis: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis

Current status and issues for prediction and prevention of postendoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis

Acute pancreatitis, which sometimes results in mortality, is a significant complication of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). Many studies have been conducted to predict and prevent post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP), and meta-analyses have been reported that summarized these studies. However, many issues remain unresolved. Many risk factors for PEP have been reported, and it is rare for patients undergoing ERCP to have only one risk factor. The use of artificial intelligence may be important for analyzing complex and diverse risk factors. It is desirable to develop an alternative test for pancreatic enzymes that can predict the onset of PEP within 1 h after ERCP. The effectiveness of low-dose nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are controversial. Nitrate and tacrolimus are considered medications that have additional effects on NSAIDs and may be used for the prevention of PEP. Pancreatic stent placement with deliberate placement of the guidewire into the pancreatic duct may be more effective in preventing PEP. A comparison between transpancreatic sphincterotomy with deliberate guidewire placement into the pancreatic duct and needle-knife precut sphincterotomy is necessary. Early precutting is thought to be effective for the prevention of PEP, and the effectiveness of primary precut has been reported. However, the optimal timing of precut for the prevention of PEP has not been sufficiently discussed. Further research on prediction and prevention must be conducted to eliminate the mortality caused by PEP.

Systematic review and meta-analysis: no evidence that low-dose non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) reduce the risk of pancreatitis after endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)

BACKGROUND

Currently, many studies focus on the use of high-dose NSAIDs, showing significant effectiveness in preventing post-ERCP pancreatitis after surgery. However, some studies suggest that low-dose NSAIDs can also have certain effects. Nevertheless, after using propensity score matching to balance potential biases, the results do not seem ideal and fail to demonstrate clear effectiveness.

AIM

This study investigates the effectiveness of NSAIDs in preventing post-ERCP pancreatitis through a systematic review and meta-analysis of relevant literature.

METHODS

We conducted a systematic search of PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science, covering literature up to September 2024. The search utilized keywords such as "ERCP," "NSAIDs," and "propensity score matching." A total of three studies employing propensity score matching were included, encompassing 857 patients-417 receiving NSAIDs before ERCP and 440 in the control group. Statistical analysis was performed using RevMan 5.3, applying a random-effects model for meta-analysis.

RESULTS

The meta-analysis revealed no significant difference in treatment outcomes between the NSAID and control groups, with an odds ratio (OR) of 0.82 (95% CI: 0.45-1.49, P = 0.74) and no observed heterogeneity (I²=0%). Sensitivity analysis confirmed the stability of results, indicating minimal impact from the removal of any single study.

DISCUSSION

These findings challenge previous assertions that NSAIDs effectively reduce post-ERCP pancreatitis incidence. The lack of consistent evidence raises concerns about the reliability of existing research. Additionally, the lower NSAID doses used in studies may contribute to the observed ineffectiveness. Future large-scale, well-designed clinical trials are essential to establish clear treatment guidelines and enhance patient outcomes.

Development and external validation of a nomogram for prediction of post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is widely performed for management of pancreatobiliary diseases; however, post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP) remains as an unsolved problem. Although various risk factors for PEP have been reported, the prediction of PEP remains controversial. This study aimed to develop a predictive model for PEP.

METHODS

Consecutive patients undergoing ERCP for biliary indications at two centers were retrospectively studied. Using data from a training cohort, we utilized a multivariable model to select five variables to construct a nomogram. The predictive model was internally and externally validated. Based on the nomogram, the patients were categorized into low-, moderate-, and high-risk groups.

RESULTS

Using the data of 2224 patients in the training cohort, five variables were selected to generate a nomogram: 1) sex, 2) indication for ERCP, 3) difficult cannulation, 4) guidewire insertion into the pancreatic duct, and 5) endoscopic sphincterotomy or sphincteroplasty. The most significant risk factor was endoscopic papillary balloon dilation such as endoscopic sphincterotomy or sphincteroplasty. The bias-corrected concordance index was 0.72 in the training cohort and 0.72 in the validation cohort. Calibration curves for both cohorts demonstrated good agreement between the predicted and observed frequencies of the actual outcome. In the validation cohort, PEP developed in 5.0% and 14% of patients in the moderate- and high-risk groups, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

We successfully developed a good predictive model for PEP. The prevention of PEP in high risk patients should be investigated further.

Combinatorial Effect of Prophylactic Interventions for Post-ERCP Pancreatitis among Patients with Risk Factors: A Network Meta-Analysis

Background/Aims

The combinatorial effects of prophylactic methods for postendoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis (PEP) in patients with risk factors remain unclear. In this network meta-analysis, we compared the efficacy of various prophylactic strategies to decrease the risk of PEP among patients with risk factors.

Methods

A systematic review was performed to identify randomized controlled trials from PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library through July 2021. We used frequentist network meta-analysis to compare the rates of PEP among patients who received prophylactic treatments as follows: class A, rectal nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs; class B, prophylactic pancreatic stent; class C, aggressive hydration; or control, no prophylaxis or active control. We selected those studies that included patients with risk factors for PEP.

Results

We identified 19 trials, comprising 4,328 participants. Class ABC (odds ratio [OR], 0.08; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.03 to 0.24), class AC (OR, 0.10; 95% CI, 0.02 to 0.47), class AB (OR, 0.12; 95% CI, 0.05 to 0.26), class BC (OR, 0.13; 95% CI, 0.04 to 0.41), class A (OR, 0.16; 95% CI, 0.05 to 0.50), and class B (OR, 0.26; 95% CI, 0.14 to 0.46), were associated with a reduced risk of PEP as compared to that of the control. The most effective prophylaxis was ABC (0.87), followed by AC (0.68), AB (0.65), BC (0.56), A (0.49), and B (0.24) according to P-score.

Conclusions

The results of this network meta-analysis suggest that the more prophylactic methods are employed, the better the outcomes. It appears that for patients with risk factors, we need to prevent PEP through the use of these well proven combination strategies.

Current approaches and questions yet to be resolved for the prophylaxis of post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis

Prophylaxis is important for post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) pancreatitis (PEP), which is the most common and serious complication of ERCP. Although the current guidelines include independent patient- and procedure-related risk factors for PEP and available PEP prophylactic measures, the synergistic effect of these risk factors on PEP should also be considered, given that patients often harbor multiple risk factors. Furthermore, a combination of prophylactic measures is often selected in clinical practice. However, established methods estimating the synergistic effect of independent risk factors on PEP incidence are lacking, and evidence on the impact of combining prophylactic measures on PEP should be discussed. Selection of appropriate candidate patients for ERCP is also important to reduce the incidence of PEP associated with unnecessary ERCP. ERCP indications in patients with asymptomatic common bile duct stones (CBDSs) and in those with suspected CBDSs with no imaging-based evidence of stones are controversial. Further studies are warranted to predict the synergistic effect of independent risk factors on PEP, determine the best prophylactic PEP measures, and identify appropriate candidates for ERCP in patients with asymptomatic CBDSs and those with suspected CBDSs.

Post-ERCP Pancreatitis: Prevention, Diagnosis and Management

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) carries a post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP) rate of 2–10%, which could be as high as 30–50% in high-risk cases. PEP is severe in up to 5% of cases, with potential for life-threatening complications, including multi-organ failure, peripancreatic fluid collections, and death in up to 1% of cases. The risk of PEP is potentially predictable and may be modified with pharmacological measures and endoscopist technique. This review covers the definition, epidemiology and risk factors for PEP, with a focus on the latest evidence-based medical and endoscopic strategies to prevent and manage PEP.

[The Latest Knowledge on Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography-related Pancreatitis]

ERCP has been established as a golden diagnostic and therapeutic modality in various pancreatobiliary diseases, including gallstones and malignancy. On the other hand, ERCP is a relatively invasive procedure with radiation hazards and major complications. Among the major complications, ERCP-related pancreatitis has been reported in more than 14.7% of high-risk patients, which might lead to extended hospitalization and a substantial burden for both patients and physicians. Recent guidelines have defined the high-risk factors for ERCP-related pancreatitis. In addition, several outstanding studies have shown that rectal non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, aggressive hydration with lactated Ringer's solution, and pancreatic stents can reduce ERCP-related pancreatitis in high-risk patients or all patients. A prevention algorithm for ERCP-related pancreatitis was provided based on advanced research.

Controversies in ERCP: Indications and preparation

The aim of the series of papers on controversies of biliopancreatic drainage procedures is to discuss the pros and cons of the varying clinical practices and techniques in ERCP and EUS for drainage of biliary and pancreatic ducts. The first part focuses on indications, clinical and imaging prerequisites before ERCP, sedation options, post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP) prophylaxis, and other related technical topics. In the second part, specific procedural ERCP-techniques including precut techniques and its timing as well as management algorithms are discussed. In addition, controversies in EUS-guided bile duct and pancreatic drainage procedures are under preparation.

Combined use of indomethacin and hydration is the best conservative approach for post-ERCP pancreatitis prevention: A network meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

Post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP) is a life-threatening complication. Given the lack of a causative treatment for pancreatitis, it is of vital importance to minimize this risk of PEP. Multi-target preventive therapy may be the best choice for PEP prevention as disease development is multifactorial.

AIM

We aimed to assess the efficacy of a combination of indomethacin and hydration - type and amount - for PEP prevention via a network meta-analysis.

METHODS

Through a systematic search in three databases, we searched all randomized controlled trials involving hydration and indomethacin and ranked the PEP preventive efficacy with a Bayesian network meta-analysis using the PRISMA for Network Meta-Analyses (PRISMA-NMA) guideline. The RoB2 tool was used for risk of bias assessment, surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA) for ranking and PROSPERO for the study protocol [reg. no. CRD42018112698]. We used risk ratios (RR) for dichotomous data with 95% credible intervals (95% CrI).

RESULTS

The quantitative analysis included 7559 patients from 24 randomized controlled trials. Based on the SUCRA values, a combination of lactated Ringer's and indomethacin is more effective than single therapy with a 94% certainty. The percent relative risk ratios estimate preventive efficacy 70-99% higher for combinations than single therapies. Aggressive hydration with indomethacin (SUCRA 100%) is also significantly more effective than all other interventions (percent relative effect 94.3-98.1%).

CONCLUSIONS

A one-hit-on-each-target therapeutic approach is recommended in PEP prevention with an easily accessible combination of indomethacin and aggressive hydration for all average and high-risk patients without contraindication.