Comparison between no fasting vs. fasting in patients undergoing cardiac catheterization laboratory procedures: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Aims: Fasting prior to procedures in the cardiac catheterization laboratory is an established indication in clinical practice. However, the evidence supporting this recommendation is uncertain. Objectives: The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the impact of non-fasting vs. fasting before cardiac catheterization. Methods and The mean age ranged from 62 to 70 years, and 31% were female. There was no significant difference in the risk of hypoglycaemia [risk ratio (RR) 0.82, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.49-1.38], aspiration pneumonia (RR 1.31, 95% CI 0.28-6.05), nausea/vomiting (RR 0.95, 95% CI 0.58-1.55), contrast-induced AKI (RR 1.87, 95% CI 0.94-3.72) between the non-fasting and fasting groups. In contrast, patients in the non-fasting group had a lower risk of hypotension (RR 0.57, 95% CI 0.38-0.86) and higher satisfaction scores (standardized mean difference -1.53, 95% CI -2.11 to -0.96) compared with the fasting group. The risk of bias was judged as some concerns in three of four studies. Conclusion: Our results suggest that in patients who underwent cardiac catheterization procedures, non-fasting was a safe strategy and provoked higher satisfaction compared to fasting.