Efficacy of N-Acetylcysteine in preventing post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is a widely utilized procedure for diagnosing and treating biliary and pancreatic disorders. However, it carries a risk of post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP). N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) has been proposed as a potential prophylactic agent due to its antioxidant properties, yet its efficacy remains debated. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of NAC in preventing PEP in patients undergoing ERCP.

Method

We conducted a comprehensive literature search across multiple databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and EMBASE, for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on humans published from January 2000 to end of August 2024. The primary outcome was the incidence of PEP in the grou

SUBMITTER: Hormati A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12584511 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature