The use of intelligent database systems in acute pancreatitis--a systematic review.

Introduction: Acute pancreatitis (AP) is a complex disease with multiple aetiological factors, wide ranging severity, and multiple challenges to effective triage and management. Databases, data mining and machine learning algorithms (MLAs), including artificial neural networks (ANNs), may assist by storing and interpreting data from multiple sources, potentially improving clinical decision-making.

Aims: 1) Identify database technologies used to store AP data, 2) collate and categorise variables stored in AP databases, 3) identify the MLA technologies, including ANNs, used to analyse AP data, and 4) identify clinical and non-clinical benefits and obstacles in establishing a national or international AP database.

A systematic review of goal directed fluid therapy: rating of evidence for goals and monitoring methods.

Purpose: To review the literature on goal directed fluid therapy and evaluate the quality of evidence for each combination of goal and monitoring method.

Materials And Methods: A search of major digital databases and hand search of references was conducted. All studies assessing the clinical utility of a specific fluid therapy goal or set of goals using any monitoring method were included.

National survey of fluid therapy in acute pancreatitis: current practice lacks a sound evidence base.

Background: Fluid therapy (FT) is a critical intervention in managing acute pancreatitis (AP). There is a paucity of evidence to guide FT and virtually no data on current prescribing practice. This survey aims to characterize current practice and opinion with regard to FT in AP throughout New Zealand.