IntroductionFluid resuscitation reduces mortality and morbidity in acute pancreatitis (AP); however, whether glucose-containing fluids negatively impact AP remains uncertain. We aimed to examine the association between glucose-containing fluids and AP outcomes. MethodsThis multicenter retrospective cohort study included patients diagnosed with AP between January 2015 and December 2018. Glucose density was defined as total glucose content divided by total fluid volume (g/dl) on day 1, and was considered high if the level exceeded the median. Endpoints were early organ failure (OF), including cardiovascular, renal, or respiratory system failure within 7 days; 30-day OF; ICU admission; and AP-related 90-day mortality. Logistic regression models, restricted cubic spline curves, and Cox proportional hazards models were used for statistical analysis. ResultsFrom the database, 1,146 patients with AP were included. Early OF occurred in 8.8% of patients within 7 days. The high glucose-density group (>5 g/dl) had increased risk of early OF (9.7% vs. 8.2%; adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.69; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.03–2.80; P = 0.039), respiratory failure (8.0% vs. 6.2%; aOR, 1.88; 95% CI, 1.09–3.24; P = 0.024), cardiovascular failure (3.4% vs. 2.4%; aOR, 3.59; 95% CI, 1.28–10.0; P = 0.015), and ICU admission (6.8% vs. 5.8%; aOR, 2.06; 95% CI, 1.08–3.94; P = 0.029), with a dose-response effect observed for cardiovascular failure and ICU admission. A significant increase 30-day OF risk (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 1.70; 95% CI, 1.19–2.45) was also noted. ConclusionExcess glucose-containing fluid was associated with increased risks of overall, respiratory, and cardiovascular OF and ICU admission in AP.