Meta-Analysis
Copyright ©2013 Baishideng. All rights reserved.
World J Crit Care Med. Feb 4, 2013; 2(1): 4-8
Published online Feb 4, 2013. doi: 10.5492/wjccm.v2.i1.4
Intravenous glutamine for severe acute pancreatitis: A meta-analysis
Xin Zhong, Cui-Ping Liang, Shu Gong
Xin Zhong, Cui-Ping Liang, Shu Gong, Hepato-bilio-pancreatic Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan Province, China
Author contributions: Zhong X and Liang CP contributed to the selection of studies and data extraction; All authors contributed to the study design, data analysis and interpretation of results, and reviewed the manuscript for important intellectual content and approved the final version.
Correspondence to: Shu Gong, MD, Hepato-bilio-pancreatic Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, People’s South Road No. 17, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan Province, China. joybell370@gmail.com
Telephone: +86-28-85422474 Fax: +86-28-85422474
Received: November 22, 2012
Revised: December 8, 2012
Accepted: December 23, 2012
Published online: February 4, 2013
Core Tip

Core tip: Glutamine dipeptide was given to patients with severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) in order to improve their nitrogen balance and immunonutrition. This meta-analysis aims to enhance our understanding of the clinical and economical validity of glutamine dipeptide for patients with SAP. We report the meta-analysis of four randomized controlled trials involving a total of 190 participants. Results showed that glutamine dipeptide has a positive effect in reducing the mortality rate, length of hospital stay, and the rate of complications. No serious adverse effects were found.