Clinical Effectiveness and Safety Profile of Imipenem in Patients with Mild-to-Moderate Acute Pancreatitis
1Ali Javed,
1UHS, Lahore
2Umair Shah,
2HS, Lahore
3Amjad Mirza,
3PIMS Islamabad
4Aroosa Raza,
4PIMS Islamabad
5Usman Ameen
5Al mustafa trust medical center rera bagh AJK
ABSTRACT:
Background: Acute pancreatitis remains a challenging clinical condition with significant morbidity and mortality. Antibiotic therapy has been a subject of debate, particularly in mild to moderate cases. Imipenem, a broad-spectrum antibiotic, has shown promise in some studies; however, comprehensive evidence regarding its efficacy and safety in acute pancreatitis is lacking.
Aim: This study aimed to evaluate effectiveness and safety profile of imipenem in management of mild to moderate acute pancreatitis through a comprehensive review and meta-analysis.
Methods: A systematic search was led across major electronic databases for related researches published from March 2023 to February 2024. Studies reporting the use of imipenem in mild to moderate acute pancreatitis were included. Data regarding efficacy outcomes such as resolution of symptoms, length of hospital stay, and safety outcomes including adverse events were extracted. Meta-analysis was performed using appropriate statistical methods.
Results: Out of 120 studies identified, 15 met the inclusion criteria. The meta-analysis exposed very substantial decrease in length of hospital stay in individuals treated with imipenem compared to standard therapy (p < 0.05). Furthermore, imipenem demonstrated comparable efficacy in resolving symptoms of pancreatitis. Safety analysis showed a low incidence of adverse events associated with imipenem therapy.
Conclusion: Imipenem appears to be an effective and safe option in the management of mild to moderate acute pancreatitis. Its use resulted in a significant reduction in hospital stay duration without compromising safety. These findings advocate for the consideration of imipenem in the therapeutic armamentarium for acute pancreatitis, though further large-scale trials are warranted to validate these results.
Keywords: Imipenem, acute pancreatitis, efficacy, safety, meta-analysis, antibiotic therapy.