A Core Outcome Set for Acute Necrotizing Pancreatitis: an Eastern Association for the Surgery of Trauma Modified Delphi Method Consensus Study.

BACKGROUND:The management of acute necrotizing pancreatitis (ANP) has changed dramatically over the past 20 years including the use of less invasive techniques, the timing of interventions, nutritional management, and anti-microbial management. This study sought to create a core outcome set (COS) to help shape future research by establishing a minimal set of essential outcomes that will facilitate future comparisons and pooling of data, while minimizing reporting bias. METHODS:A modified Delphi process was performed though involvement of ANP content experts. Each expert proposed a list of outcomes for consideration and the panel anonymously scored the outcomes on a 9-point Likert scale. Core outcome consensus defined a priori as >70% of scores receiving 7-9 points and < 15% of scores receiving 1-3 points. Feedback and aggregate data were shared between rounds with inter-class correlation trends used to determine the end of the study. RESULTS:A total of 19 experts agreed to participate in the study with 16 (84%) participating through study completion. Forty-three outcomes were initially considered with 16 reaching consensuses after four rounds of the modified Delphi process. The final COS included outcomes related to mortality, organ failure, complications, interventions/management, and social factors. CONCLUSION:Through an iterative consensus process, content experts agreed on a COS for the management of ANP. This will help shape future research to generate data suitable for pooling and other statistical analyses that may guide clinical practice. STUDY TYPE:Diagnostic Tests or Criteria. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:Diagnostic test or criteria, V.