Published online Dec 25, 2015. doi: 10.4253/wjge.v7.i19.1341
Peer-review started: June 11, 2015
First decision: August 5, 2015
Revised: October 13, 2015
Accepted: November 10, 2015
Article in press: November 11, 2015
Published online: December 25, 2015
Processing time: 196 Days and 8.8 Hours
AIM: To critically appraise the published randomized, controlled trials on the prophylactic effectiveness of the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), in reducing the risk of post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) pancreatitis.
METHODS: A systematic literature search (MEDLINE, Embase and the Cochrane Library, from inception of the databases until May 2015) was conducted to identify randomized, clinical trials investigating the role of NSAIDs in reducing the risk of post-ERCP pancreatitis. Random effects model of the meta-analysis was carried out, and results were presented as odds ratios (OR) with corresponding 95%CI.
RESULTS: Thirteen randomized controlled trials on 3378 patients were included in the final meta-analysis. There were 1718 patients in the NSAIDs group and 1660 patients in non-NSAIDs group undergoing ERCP. The use of NSAIDs (through rectal route or intramuscular route) was associated with the reduced risk of post-ERCP pancreatitis [OR, 0.52 (0.38-0.72), P = 0.0001]. The use of pre-procedure NSAIDs was effective in reducing approximately 48% incidence of post-ERCP pancreatitis, number needed to treat were 16 with absolute risk reduction of 0.05. But the risk of post-ERCP pancreattis was reduced by 55% if NSAIDs were administered after procedure. Similarly, diclofenac was more effective (55%) prophylactic agent compared to indomethacin (41%).
CONCLUSION: NSAIDs seem to have clinically proven advantage of reducing the risk of post-ERCP pancreatitis.
Core tip: Current meta-analysis of 13 randomized controlled trials on 3378 patients successfully demonstrates the usefulness of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in the prevention of post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) pancreatitis. Post-procedure use of NSAIDs by any route has clinically proven advantage of reducing 55% risk of post-ERCP pancreatitis. Diclofenac (55%) compared to indomethacin (41%) was more effective prophylactic agent.