Oral refeeding in patients with mild acute pancreatitis: prevalence and risk factors of relapsing abdominal pain

Clinical Predictors and Prevalence of Enteral Nutrition Intolerance in Acute Pancreatitis: An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: Acute pancreatitis (AP) leads to severe inflammation and nutritional deficits, with 80% of severe cases experiencing critical protein loss. Timely enteral nutrition is essential for recovery. This study systematically reviews and analyzes the incidence and predictors of enteral nutrition intolerance (ENI) in AP patients. Methods: Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Library, and PubMed were searched up to May 2024. Studies reporting on ENI incidence and predictors in AP patients were included based on predefined criteria. Bias was assessed using standardized tools, and meta-analyses provided summary estimates with confidence intervals. Results: From the 2697 screened studies, 28 involving 4853 patients met the inclusion criteria. The pooled incidence of ENI was 26%. Significant predictors included comorbid diabetes, pancreatic necrosis, elevated pre-refeeding serum lipase levels, peri-pancreatic fluid collections, and systemic inflammatory response syndrome at admission. Higher ENI rates were observed in Europe, among patients with severe acute pancreatitis (SAP), those receiving nasoenteric feeding, and in prospective study cohorts. Conclusions: ENI affects approximately one-quarter of AP patients and is not significantly associated with age, sex, or the cause of AP. Its incidence varies by region, disease severity, feeding method and study design. Identifying predictors, such as comorbid diabetes and pancreatic necrosis, may help clinicians reduce the risk of ENI. The limitations of this study include the heterogeneity of the included studies and inconsistent ENI diagnostic criteria.

Efficacy and safety of neostigmine on treating gastrointestinal dysmotility in severe acute pancreatitis patients: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Acute pancreatitis is a serious threat to human health and gastrointestinal dysmotility is a common complication for acute pancreatitis patients, resulting in delayed feeding, oral feeding intolerance, paralytic ileus, and abdominal compartment syndrome. Currently, there are limited treatment for this complication. Neostigmine is known to increase gastrointestinal motility and has been used to treat gastrointestinal dysmotility after surgery. However, research in treating acute pancreatitis with neostigmine is currently limited.

METHODS

This trial is a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blinded, mono-centric trial that will test the hypothesis that neostigmine can improve gastrointestinal motility in patients with severe acute pancreatitis. Up to 56 patients will be randomized in this study receiving 0.5 mg/1 ml of neostigmine methylsulfate injection twice per day or 1 ml of saline injection twice per day. Defection time (aim 1), mortality and organ failure (aim 2), borborygmus, starting of enteral nutrition and intra-abdominal pressure (aim 3), and length of ICU and hospital stay (aim 4) will be assessed.

DISCUSSION

Findings from this study will provide data supporting the usage of neostigmine for treating severe acute pancreatitis patients with gastrointestinal dysmotility.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

This study is registered on chictr.org.cn with the identifier as ChiCTR2200058305. Registered on April 5, 2022.

Incidence and risk factors of oral feeding intolerance in acute pancreatitis: Results from an international, multicenter, prospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Inability to advance to an oral diet, or oral feeding intolerance, is a common complication in patients with acute pancreatitis associated with worse clinical outcomes. The factors related to oral feeding intolerance are not well studied.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to determine the incidence and risk factors of oral feeding intolerance in acute pancreatitis.

METHODS

Patients were prospectively enrolled in the Acute Pancreatitis Patient Registry to Examine Novel Therapies in Clinical Experience, an international acute pancreatitis registry, between 2015 and 2018. Oral feeding intolerance was defined as worsening abdominal pain and/or vomiting after resumption of oral diet. The timing of the initial feeding attempt was stratified based on the day of hospitalization. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to assess for independent risk factors/predictors of oral feeding intolerance.

RESULTS

Of 1233 acute pancreatitis patients included in the study, 160 (13%) experienced oral feeding intolerance. The incidence of oral feeding intolerance was similar irrespective of the timing of the initial feeding attempt relative to hospital admission day (p = 0.41). Patients with oral feeding intolerance were more likely to be younger (45 vs. 50 years of age), men (61% vs. 49%), and active alcohol users (44% vs. 36%). They also had higher blood urea nitrogen (20 vs. 15 mg/dl; p < 0.001) and hematocrit levels (41.7% vs. 40.5%; p = 0.017) on admission; were more likely to have a nonbiliary acute pancreatitis etiology (69% vs. 51%), systemic inflammatory response syndrome of 2 or greater on admission (49% vs. 35%) and at 48 h (50% vs. 26%), develop pancreatic necrosis (29% vs. 13%), moderate to severe acute pancreatitis (41% vs. 24%), and have a longer hospital stay (10 vs. 6 days; all p < 0.04). The adjusted analysis showed that systemic inflammatory response syndrome of 2 or greater at 48 h (odds ratio 3.10; 95% confidence interval 1.83-5.25) and a nonbiliary acute pancreatitis etiology (odds ratio 1.65; 95% confidence interval 1.01-2.69) were independent risk factors for oral feeding intolerance.

CONCLUSION

Oral feeding intolerance occurs in 13% of acute pancreatitis patients and is independently associated with systemic inflammatory response syndrome at 48 h and a nonbiliary etiology.

Acute Pancreatitis: Updates for Emergency Clinicians

BACKGROUND

Acute pancreatitis is a frequent reason for patient presentation to the emergency department (ED) and the most common gastrointestinal disease resulting in admission. Emergency clinicians are often responsible for the diagnosis and initial management of acute pancreatitis.

OBJECTIVE

This review article provides emergency clinicians with a focused overview of the diagnosis and management of pancreatitis.

DISCUSSION

Pancreatitis is an inflammatory process within the pancreas. While the disease is often mild, severe forms can have a mortality rate of up to 30%. The diagnosis of pancreatitis requires two of the following three criteria: epigastric abdominal pain, an elevated lipase, and imaging findings of pancreatic inflammation. The most common etiologies include gallbladder disease and alcohol use. After the diagnosis has been made, it is important to identify underlying etiologies requiring specific intervention, as well as obtain a right upper quadrant ultrasound. The initial management of choice is fluid resuscitation and pain control. Recent data have suggested that more cautious fluid resuscitation in the first 24 h might be more appropriate for some patients. Intravenous opiates are generally safe if used judiciously. Appropriate disposition is a multifactorial decision, which can be facilitated by using Ranson criteria or the Bedside Index of Severity in Acute Pancreatitis score. Complications, though rare, can be severe.

CONCLUSIONS

Pancreatitis is a potentially deadly disease that commonly presents to most emergency departments. It is important for clinicians to be aware of the current evidence regarding the diagnosis, treatment, and disposition of these patients.

Acute pancreatitis: current perspectives on diagnosis and management

The last two decades have seen the emergence of significant evidence that has altered certain aspects of the management of acute pancreatitis. While most cases of acute pancreatitis are mild, the challenge remains in managing the severe cases and the complications associated with acute pancreatitis. Gallstones are still the most common cause with epidemiological trends indicating a rising incidence. The surgical management of acute gallstone pancreatitis has evolved. In this article, we revisit and review the methods in diagnosing acute pancreatitis. We present the evidence for the supportive management of the condition, and then discuss the management of acute gallstone pancreatitis. Based on the evidence, our local institutional pathways, and clinical experience, we have produced an outline to guide clinicians in the management of acute gallstone pancreatitis.

Non-liquid as initial meal in mild acute pancreatitis: Renewed meta-analysis

In this study, we first evaluated that all of the studies included were randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Second, the number of patients in the present meta-analysis is larger than before, so the conclusion is more convincing.

Which Patients with Mild Acute Pancreatitis Require Prolonged Hospitalization?

Objectives:

In our experience, a subset of mild acute pancreatitis (AP) patients, as defined by the Revised Atlanta Classification, has longer than expected hospitalization. Our aims are to report the prevalence of patients with mild AP who have a prolonged length of stay (LOS), evaluate the etiology, thoroughly phenotype, and finally compare this subset to those with expected LOS.

Methods:

Patients admitted with AP from 2003 to 2015 were prospectively enrolled into this cohort study. LOS ≥8 days was considered as prolonged LOS. Data on demographics, clinical and laboratory variables, management, and outcomes was both prospectively and retrospectively collected. Continuous variables were compared using the nonparametric t-test (Wilcoxon's test) and categorical variables using the Pearson’s χ² test.

Results:

Among 231 enrolled mild AP patients, 46 (20%) had a prolonged LOS (≥8 days). The main determinants of prolonged LOS included ongoing pancreatitis-related symptoms (n=31, 67.4%) and performance of cholecystectomy (n=11, 23.9%). When compared to patients with expected LOS (<8 days, n=185), patients with prolonged LOS due to ongoing symptoms (n=31) were more likely to have systemic inflammatory response syndrome at 48 h from admission (37% vs. 13.4%, P<0.001), a prolonged fasting period (6.6 vs. 2.8 days, P<0.001), and need for nutritional support (30% vs. 1.6%, P<0.001).

Conclusions:

About 20% of patients with mild AP have a longer than expected hospital stay, mostly attributed to ongoing pancreatitis-related symptoms. An early decision (at 72 h) for enteral nutrition support in these patients needs to be explored so as to shorten hospitalization and reduce cost of care.

Efficacy of early oral refeeding in patients of mild acute pancreatitis

Objective:

To compare Early Oral Refeeding (EORF) with Routine Oral Refeeding (RORF) on outcome of patients of mild Acute Pancreatitis (AP) in terms of Mean Length of Hospital Stay (LOHS).

Methods:

This randomized controlled trialwas conducted atSurgical Department CMH Rawalpindi, from 1st Feb 2015 to 01st Aug 2016. A total of 60 patients with pain epigastrium were enrolled in the study. Severity of pancreatitis was assessed using Glasgow Scale. Patients were randomly divided in two groups. Group-A was started feeding within 12 hours (EORF group) and Group-B after 12 hours (RORF group). Demographic details and data were recorded on a structured proforma. After discharge, LOHS was measured for both groups and outcome was compared.

Results:

The groups were comparable with respect to age, sex, etiology, Glasgow Scale, time from onset of pain and Serum Amylase levels at admission. Treatment was standardized according to international guidelines for both groups. The mean LOHS was 7.8 ± 2.14 days in the Group-A and 10.03 ± 1.75 days in Group-B. The difference in the mean LOHS between the two groups was statistically significant (p<0.05).

Conclusion:

In patients of mild acute pancreatitis, early oral feeding is feasible and safe and has better outcome then those with routine oral refeeding.

Glucose Variability Measures as Predictors of Oral Feeding Intolerance in Acute Pancreatitis: A Prospective Pilot Study

BACKGROUND

Oral feeding intolerance (OFI) is a common complication in patients with acute pancreatitis (AP). Variations in blood glucose are associated with impaired gastrointestinal function but, to date, measures of glucose variability have not been investigated to predict OFI in patients with AP.

AIM

To investigate the usefulness of several glucose variability measures in predicting the occurrence of OFI early in the course of AP.

METHODS

In this prospective cohort study, six measures of glucose variability were calculated prior to the occurrence of OFI. Multivariate binary logistic regression analyses were conducted, and the diagnostic performance and accuracy of glucose variability measures were assessed.

RESULTS

Of the 95 prospectively enrolled patients, 21 (22%) developed OFI. After adjusting for confounders, admission blood glucose concentration and mean blood glucose concentration were significantly associated with OFI [odds ratio 1.49 (95% confidence interval 1.01-2.20) and odds ratio 1.67 (95% confidence interval 1.07-2.61), respectively]. Both admission blood glucose and mean blood glucose had an area under the curve of 0.83 and positive likelihood ratios of 6.45 and 10.19, respectively. Blood glucose concentration before refeeding, standard deviation of blood glucose concentration, coefficient of variation, and mean amplitude of glycemic excursions were not significantly associated with OFI.

CONCLUSION

In-hospital blood glucose concentrations are associated with subsequent development of OFI in patients with AP. In particular, admission blood glucose and mean blood glucose could be useful predictors of OFI in this setting.

Management of acute pancreatitis in dogs: a critical appraisal with focus on feeding and analgesia

Knowledge about acute pancreatitis has increased recently in both the medical and veterinary fields. Despite this expansion of knowledge, there are very few studies on treatment interventions in naturally occurring disease in dogs. As a result, treatment recommendations are largely extrapolated from experimental rodent models or general critical care principles. General treatment principles involve replacing fluid losses, maintaining hydrostatic pressure, controlling nausea and providing pain relief. Specific interventions recently advocated in human medicine include the use of neurokinin-1 antagonists for analgesia and early interventional feeding. The premise for early feeding is to improve the health of the intestinal tract, as unhealthy enterocytes are thought to perpetuate systemic inflammation. The evidence for early interventional feeding is not supported by robust clinical trials to date, but in humans there is evidence that it reduces hospitalisation time and in dogs it is well tolerated. This article summarises the major areas of management of acute pancreatitis in dogs and examines the level of evidence for each recommendation.

Treating acute pancreatitis: what's new?

The medical treatment of acute pancreatitis continues to focus on supportive care, including fluid therapy, nutrition, and antibiotics, all of which will be critically reviewed. Pharmacologic agents that were previously studied were found to be ineffective likely due to a combination of their targets and flaws in trial design. Potential future pharmacologic agents, particularly those that target intracellular calcium signaling, as well as considerations for trial design will be discussed. As the incidence of acute pancreatitis continues to increase, greater efforts will be needed to prevent hospitalization, readmission and excessive imaging in order to reduce overall healthcare costs. Primary prevention continues to focus on post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) pancreatitis and secondary prevention on cholecystectomy for biliary pancreatitis as well as alcohol and smoking abstinence.

Japanese guidelines for the management of acute pancreatitis: Japanese Guidelines 2015

BACKGROUND

Japanese (JPN) guidelines for the management of acute pancreatitis were published in 2006. The severity assessment criteria for acute pancreatitis were later revised by the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) in 2008, leading to their publication as the JPN Guidelines 2010. Following the 2012 revision of the Atlanta Classifications of Acute Pancreatitis, in which the classifications of regional complications of pancreatitis were revised, the development of a minimally invasive method for local complications of pancreatitis spread, and emerging evidence was gathered and revised into the JPN Guidelines.

METHODS

A comprehensive evaluation was carried out on the evidence for epidemiology, diagnosis, severity, treatment, post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) pancreatitis and clinical indicators, based on the concepts of the GRADE system (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation). With the graded recommendations, where the evidence was unclear, Meta-Analysis team for JPN Guidelines 2015 conducted an additional new meta-analysis, the results of which were included in the guidelines.

RESULTS

Thirty-nine questions were prepared in 17 subject areas, for which 43 recommendations were made. The 17 subject areas were: Diagnosis, Diagnostic imaging, Etiology, Severity assessment, Transfer indication, Fluid therapy, Nasogastric tube, Pain control, Antibiotics prophylaxis, Protease inhibitor, Nutritional support, Intensive care, management of Biliary Pancreatitis, management of Abdominal Compartment Syndrome, Interventions for the local complications, Post-ERCP pancreatitis and Clinical Indicator (Pancreatitis Bundles 2015). Meta-analysis was conducted in the following four subject areas based on randomized controlled trials: (1) prophylactic antibiotics use; (2) prophylactic pancreatic stent placement for the prevention of post-ERCP pancreatitis; (3) prophylactic non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for the prevention of post-ERCP pancreatitis; and (4) peritoneal lavage. Using the results of the meta-analysis, recommendations were graded to create useful information. In addition, a mobile application was developed, which made it possible to diagnose, assess severity and check pancreatitis bundles.

CONCLUSIONS

The JPN Guidelines 2015 were prepared using the most up-to-date methods, and including the latest recommended medical treatments, and we are confident that this will make them easy for many clinicians to use, and will provide a useful tool in the decision-making process for the treatment of patients, and optimal medical support. The free mobile application and calculator for the JPN Guidelines 2015 is available via http://www.jshbps.jp/en/guideline/jpn-guideline2015.html.

Risk factors of refeeding intolerance in mild acute interstitial pancreatitis: a retrospective study of 323 patients

OBJECTIVES

This study was aimed to access the frequency and identify independent risk factors of refeeding intolerance in patients with mild acute interstitial pancreatitis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients with mild acute pancreatitis (AP) were included in this observational, descriptive, and retrospective study. Clinical variables, therapy-related variables, and biochemical and radiological variables were analyzed by univariate and multivariate analysis.

RESULTS

Of 323 included cases, 40 patients (12.4%) developed refeeding intolerance. In the final regression model, hypertriglyceridemia-induced AP (odds ratio, 7.72; 95% CI: 2.50-23.82, P < 0.001), elevated serum lipase (>2-fold of the upper limit of normal) before refeeding (odds ratio, 2.13; 95% CI: 1.2-3.77, P = 0.009), and immediate feeding (odds ratio, 1.75; 95% CI: 1.31-2.33, P < 0.001) were critical risk factors of refeeding intolerance.

CONCLUSION

Refeeding intolerance occurs in 12.4% patients with mild AP and appears more often in those with hypertriglyceridemia-induced AP, elevated serum lipase (>2-fold of the upper limit of normal) before refeeding, and immediate feeding.

Early oral refeeding based on hunger in moderate and severe acute pancreatitis: a prospective controlled, randomized clinical trial

OBJECTIVE

Early enteral nutrition is beneficial for acute pancreatitis (AP), but the optimal timing and criteria remain unclear. The aim of this study was to explore the feasibility and safety of early oral refeeding (EORF) based on hunger in patients with moderate or severe AP.

METHODS

In a prospective, single-center, controlled, randomized clinical trial (ChiCTR-TRC-12002994), eligible patients with moderate or severe AP were randomized to either EORF or conventional oral refeeding (CORF). Patients in the EORF group restarted an oral diet when they felt hungry, regardless of laboratory parameters. Those in the CORF group restarted an oral diet only when clinical and laboratory symptoms had resolved. Clinical outcomes were compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

In all, 146 eligible patients with moderate or severe AP were included and randomized to the EORF (n = 70) or CORF (n = 76) group. There were eight dropouts after randomization (three in EORF group; five in CORF group). The groups had similar baseline characteristics. The total length of hospitalization (13.7 ± 5.4 d versus 15.7 ± 6.2 d; P = 0.0398) and duration of fasting (8.3 ± 3.9 d versus 10.5 ± 5.1 d; P = 0.0047) were shorter in the EORF group than in the CORF group. There was no difference in the number of adverse events or complications between the two groups. The mean blood glucose level after oral refeeding was higher in the EORF group than in the CORF group (P = 0.0030).

CONCLUSIONS

This controlled, randomized clinical trial confirmed the effectiveness and feasibility of EORF based on hunger in patients with moderate or severe AP. EORF could shorten the length of hospitalization in patients with moderate or severe AP.

Early and/or immediately full caloric diet versus standard refeeding in mild acute pancreatitis: a randomized open-label trial

Refeeding after acute pancreatitis (AP) is traditionally started in a successively increasing manner when abdominal pain is absent and pancreatic enzymes are decreasing. We aimed to evaluate length of hospital stay (LOHS) and refeeding tolerance for early refeeding and/or immediately full caloric intake in patients recovering from AP.

METHODS

In this randomized, open-label trial, patients with AP were randomized into four different refeeding protocols. Group 1 and 2 received a stepwise increasing diet during three days while 3 and 4 received an immediately full caloric, low fat diet. Group 2 and 4 started refeeding early (once bowel sounds returned) and 1 and 3 started at standard time (bowel sounds present, no abdominal pain, no fever, leucocytes and pancreatic enzymes decreasing). Main outcomes measurements were LOHS and tolerance (ability to ingest >50% of meals without severe pain, nausea or AP relapse).

RESULTS

Eighty patients were evaluated and 72 randomized (median age 60 years, range 24-85, 33 male). LOHS was significantly reduced after early refeeding (median 5 versus 7 days (p = 0.001)) but not in patients receiving immediately full caloric diet, compared to standard management (6 versus 6 days (p = 0.12)). There was no difference in refeeding tolerance comparing immediately full caloric diet versus stepwise increasing diet (31/35 (89%) versus 33/37 (89%) patients tolerating the treatment, p = 1.00) or early versus standard time for refeeding (33/37 (89%) versus 31/35 (89%), (p = 1.00)).

CONCLUSIONS

Refeeding after AP when bowel sounds are present with immediately full caloric diet is safe and well tolerated. Early refeeding shortens LOHS.

Nutrition and acute pancreatitis: review of the literature and pediatric perspectives

Acute pancreatitis is being diagnosed more frequently in pediatrics and there is limited published research to guide management. In contrast, multiple prospective studies in the adult population have resulted in significant changes in the way the disease is managed, especially with regard to severe disease. The nutritional management of pediatric acute pancreatitis appears to lag behind current adult recommendations, likely resulting from a lack of awareness of the adult data, inherent differences between pediatric and adult pancreatitis, and the paucity of research performed in children. The purpose of this review is to examine the adult literature regarding the nutritional management of acute pancreatitis and discuss the possible relevance of this data in the pediatric population.

Clear liquid diet vs soft diet as the initial meal in patients with mild acute pancreatitis: a randomized interventional trial

BACKGROUND

Patients recovering from mild acute pancreatitis are usually started on a liquid diet and advanced to a solid diet. Evidence suggests a soft diet as the initial meal is tolerated well by such patients. However, the results are controversial.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the safety of starting an early soft diet compared with a liquid diet in patients with mild acute pancreatitis as the initial meal.

METHODS

We randomized 60 patients with mild acute pancreatitis into 2 groups to receive either a clear liquid diet (CLD) or a soft diet (SD) as the initial meal, and parameters such as tolerance to diet, recurrence of pain, length of hospitalization (LOH), need to stop feeding, post-refeeding length of hospitalization (PRLOH), and postdischarge readmission rate within 30 days were analyzed.

RESULTS

The demographic and baseline parameters (amylase, total leucocyte count, Balthazar score) in the 2 groups were comparable. Patients in both groups tolerated the diet well except 1 patient in the SD group, who developed vomiting and diarrhea, not severe enough to stop feeding. LOH and PRLOH were significantly lower in the SD group (4.23 ± 2.08 and 1.96 ± 1.63 days, P < .0001) compared with the CLD group (6.91 ± 2.43 and 4.10 ± 1.64 days, P < .0001). PRLOH in the SD group was 2.14 days less when compared with the CLD group.

CONCLUSION

In patients with mild acute pancreatitis, a soft diet as the initial meal is well tolerated and leads to a shorter total length of hospitalization.

Factors associated with intolerance after refeeding in mild acute pancreatitis

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to describe the mode of refeeding, frequency of intolerance, and related factors in mild acute pancreatitis (AP).

METHODS

We included all cases of mild AP between January 2007 and December 2009 in an observational, descriptive, and retrospective study. We analyzed demographic and etiological data, admission variables, treatment, refeeding mode, intolerance frequency, and treatment. Intolerance-related variables were determined using a Cox regression.

RESULTS

Two-hundred thirty-two patients were included (median age, 74.3 years, bedside index for severity in AP score, 1). Oral diet was reintroduced at 3 days (range, 0-11 days) in 90.9% of cases with a liquid diet. Intolerance to refeeding appeared in 28 patients (12.1%) at a median time of 1 day (range, 0-14 days). Oral diet was reduced or suspended in 71.4%; analgesic and antiemetic drugs were required in 64% and 35.7% of patients, respectively. The variables independently associated with intolerance to refeeding were choledocholithiasis (hazard ratio [HR], 12.35; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.98-51.19; P = 0.001), fasting time (HR, 1.33; 95% CI, 1.09-1.63; P = 0.005), refeeding with complete diet (HR, 4.93; 95% CI, 1.66-14.66; P = 0.04), length of symptoms before admission (HR, 1.004; 95% CI, 1.001-1.006; P = 0.012), and metamizole dose (HR, 1.11; 95% CI, 1.02-1.21; P = 0.014).

CONCLUSIONS

Intolerance to refeeding is an infrequent event. We have identified several factors independently associated with intolerance.

Oral refeeding in mild acute pancreatitis: An old challenge

Although the idea that pancreas rest has long been considered as a very relevant topic in acute pancreatitis (AP) therapy, the right time and type of diet to be offered to patients recovering from an acute attack are a great challenge to clinicians who treat this condition. Fortunately, the last decade was noted for several trials looking for the best answer to the question: “when and how to start oral refeeding in AP?” It is well known that 80% of patients present with mild disease characterized by usually uncomplicated clinical course are managed with pancreatic rest through nil per oral; while the use of specific nutritional intervention is an exception. Therefore, mild AP has been the most investigated form of AP and researchers have tried different kind of meals to offer calories and reduce costs by shortening hospitalization time. Usually in mild AP, the oral refeeding is introduced between the first 3 d and 7 d after hospitalization but, the type of diet and patients’ tolerance have been scrutinized in detail with mixed results. Although 20% to 25% have pain recurrence requiring nutritional support and greater time of hospitalization, most patients seem to tolerate oral refeeding well. We propose analyzing the most recent investigations of this matter and their conclusions to develop a better understanding of the management of AP.

Three initial diets for management of mild acute pancreatitis: A meta-analysis

AIM: To compare non-liquid and clear-liquid diets, and to assess whether the latter is the optimal treatment for mild acute pancreatitis.

METHODS: The Cochrane Library, PUBMED, EMBASE, EBM review databases, Science Citation Index Expanded, and several Chinese databases were searched up to March 2011. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared non-liquid with clear-liquid diets in patients with mild acute pancreatitis were included. A meta-analysis was performed using available evidence from RCTs.

RESULTS: Three RCTs of adequate quality involving a total of 362 participants were included in the final analysis. Compared to liquid diet, non-liquid diet significantly decreased the length of hospitalization [mean difference (MD): 1.18, 95% CI: 0.82-1.55; P﹤0.00001] and total length of hospitalization (MD: 1.31, 95% CI: 0.45-2.17; P = 0.003). The subgroup analysis showed solid diet was more favorable than clear liquid diet in the length of hospitalization, with a pooled MD being -1.05 (95% CI: -1.43 to -0.66; P﹤0.00001). However, compared with clear liquid diet, both soft and solid diets did not show any significant differences for recurrence of pain after re-feeding, either alone [relative risk (RR): 0.95; 95% CI: 0.51-1.87; P = 0.88] and (RR: 1.22; 95% CI: 0.69-2.16; P = 0.49), respectively, or analyzed together as non-liquid diet (RR: 0.80; 95% CI: 0.47-1.36; P = 0.41).

CONCLUSION: The non-liquid soft or solid diet did not increase pain recurrence after re-feeding, compared with the clear-liquid diet. The non-liquid diet reduced hospitalization.

Enteral nutrition and acute pancreatitis: a review

Introduction. In patients with acute pancreatitis (AP), nutritional support is required if normal food cannot be tolerated within several days. Enteral nutrition is preferred over parenteral nutrition. We reviewed the literature about enteral nutrition in AP. Methods. A MEDLINE search of the English language literature between 1999-2009. Results. Nasogastric tube feeding appears to be safe and well tolerated in the majority of patients with severe AP, rendering the concept of pancreatic rest less probable. Enteral nutrition has a beneficial influence on the outcome of AP and should probably be initiated as early as possible (within 48 hours). Supplementation of enteral formulas with glutamine or prebiotics and probiotics cannot routinely be recommended. Conclusions. Nutrition therapy in patients with AP emerged from supportive adjunctive therapy to a proactive primary intervention. Large multicentre studies are needed to confirm the safety and effectiveness of nasogastric feeding and to investigate the role of early nutrition support.

A full solid diet as the initial meal in mild acute pancreatitis is safe and result in a shorter length of hospitalization: results from a prospective, randomized, controlled, double-blind clinical trial

GOALS

To compare the safety and length of hospitalization (LOH) between a full solid diet as the initial meal for refeeding after mild acute pancreatitis (AP) as compared with 2 other diets.

BACKGROUND

In mild AP, the need for fat restriction during refeeding has not been studied. It was hypothesized that the reintroduction of oral feeding with a full solid diet after mild AP was safe and might result in a shorter LOH.

STUDY

Subjects with mild AP were randomized to receive 1 of 3 diets (clear liquid, soft, or full solid) as the initial meal during oral refeeding. Diet progression and hospital discharge were decided by the physicians that were not members of trial team. During hospital stay, patients were monitored for relapse of pain (primary endpoint), dietary intake, LOH (secondary endpoint), and 7 days postdischarge to record pain relapse rates.

RESULTS

A total of 210 patients were included, 70 in each arm. On a per-protocol basis, there was no difference in pain relapse rates during refeeding between the 3 diet arms (P=0.80). Subjects initiated on a full solid diet consumed significantly more calories and fats on trial days 1 and 2 (P<0.001). A shorter LOH (median of -1.5 d) was observed among patients receiving a full solid diet without abdominal pain relapse (P=0.000).

CONCLUSIONS

Oral refeeding with a full solid diet in mild AP was well tolerated and resulted in a shorter LOH in patients without abdominal pain relapse.

Clinical trial: oral feeding with a soft diet compared with clear liquid diet as initial meal in mild acute pancreatitis

BACKGROUND

In mild acute pancreatitis, traditional treatment has been initial fasting and oral refeeding with clear liquids to prevent adverse gastrointestinal events such as pain. The diet is gradually progressed to soft solids and hospital discharge is planned based on patients' tolerance to a solid diet.

AIM

To determine the length of hospitalization and tolerance to oral refeeding when initiated on a soft diet as compared to a clear liquid diet.

METHODS

One hundred and one patients with mild acute pancreatitis were randomized to receive either a clear liquid diet or soft diet when oral feeding was initiated. Frequency of pain, total and postrefeeding length of hospitalization, and dietary intake were monitored. Hospital discharge was decided by the medical team without input from the study coordinators.

RESULTS

A statistically significant decrease in the length of hospitalization (total and postrefeeding) of a median of 2 days was seen in patients receiving a soft diet (P < 0.001). No significant difference in the need for cessation of diet because of pain was observed between the two groups. Patients initiated on a soft diet consumed significantly more calories and fats on study day 1 (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Oral refeeding with a soft diet in patients with mild acute pancreatitis can be considered safe and can result in shorter length of hospitalization.

Oral refeeding after onset of acute pancreatitis: a review of literature

BACKGROUND

Oral refeeding in patients recovering from acute pancreatitis may cause pain relapse. Patients with pain relapse may be ill for prolonged periods, thereby consuming additional health care resources. We aimed to determine the incidence and risk factors of pain relapse on the basis of reviewing all studies on oral refeeding in acute pancreatitis.

METHODS

Relevant literature cited in three electronic databases (Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, EMBASE, and MEDLINE) as well as the abstracts of major gastroenterological meetings was reviewed. Outcome measures studied were the incidence of pain relapse and length of hospital stay.

RESULTS

A total of three studies met the inclusion criteria. Sixty of 274 patients (21.9%) experienced pain relapse during the course of acute pancreatitis. In 47 of 60 (78.3%) patients pain relapse occurred within 48 h after commencement of oral refeeding. Two studies showed a significantly higher Balthazar's CT score on hospital admission in patients with pain relapse, whereas all three studies found no difference in the severity scores between patients with and without pain relapse. All three studies found a significant increase in the length of hospital stay in patients with pain relapse.

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence of pain relapse after oral refeeding in acute pancreatitis is relatively high. Thereby, the quest for new therapeutical modalities that can prevent pain relapse is of current importance.