Preoperative Carbohydrate Loading on Outcomes after Cardiac Surgery: A Flawed Meta-Analysis. Comment on: “The Effect of Preoperative Carbohydrate Loading on Clinical and Biochemical Outcomes after Cardiac Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Trials”. Nutrients 2020, 12, 3105

Abstract

We read, with interest, the publication in Nutrients on the effects of preoperative carbohydrate loading on outcomes after cardiac surgery [...]

Reply to: “Preoperative Carbohydrate Loading on Outcomes after Cardiac Surgery: A Flawed Meta-Analysis. Comment on: The Effect of Preoperative Carbohydrate Loading on Clinical and Biochemical Outcomes after Cardiac Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Trials. Nutrients 2020, 12, 3904”

“…We appreciate the thoughts and questions posed by Drs Dileep N Lobo and Girish P Joshi [1] in relation to our manuscript entitled 'The Effect of Preoperative Carbohydrate Loading on Clinical and Biochemical Outcomes after Cardiac Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Trials [2]. Regarding protocol and registration, we cannot agree with the conclusion that the study is non-compliant with the PRISMA statement.…”

“…It is true, as underlined by Drs Dileep N Lobo and Girish P Joshi [1], that the volume of carbohydrate loading used in different studies varied widely and ranged from 200 to 1200 mL, with variable timing of administration. We decided not to narrow the volume of carbohydrate loading, as to really reflect the clinical situation, which substantially differs between different centers.…”

“…Drs Dileep N Lobo and Girish P Joshi [1] indicate that a recent meta-analysis has suggested that carbohydrate loading provides no benefits over adequate preoperative hydration [9]. Our analysis was performed only in patients undergoing cardiac surgery.…”