Initial Management of Acute Pancreatitis
Based on guidelines from the American Gastroenterological Association.
Treatment
In patients with AP, the AGA suggests using goal-directed therapy for fluid management. Note that the AGA makes no recommendation whether normal saline or Ringer’s lactate is used.
In patients with AP, the AGA suggests against the use of hydroxyethyl starch (HES) fluids.
In patients with AP, the AGA recommends early (within 24 h) oral feeding as tolerated, rather than keeping the patient nil per os (npo).
In patients with predicted severe AP and necrotizing AP, the AGA suggests against the use of prophylactic antibiotics.
In patients with acute biliary pancreatitis, the AGA recommends cholecystectomy during the initial admission rather than after discharge.
How strong is the AGA's recommendation?