Immediate Oral Refeeding in Patients With Mild and Moderate Acute Pancreatitis: A Multicenter, Randomized Controlled Trial (PADI trial)

The 1st i-EUS consensus on the management of pancreatic fluid collections - Part 2

Pancreatic fluid collections (PFCs), including pancreatic pseudocysts (PPs) and walled-off pancreatic necrosis (WON), are common complications of pancreatitis and pancreatic surgery. Historically, the treatment of these conditions has relied on surgical and radiological approaches. The treatment of patients with PFCs has already focused toward an endoscopy-based approach, and with the development of dedicated lumen-apposing metal stents (LAMS), it has almost totally shifted towards interventional Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS)-guided procedures. However, there is still limited consensus on several aspects of PFCs treatment within the multidisciplinary management. The interventional endoscopy and ultrasound (i-EUS) group is an Italian network of clinicians and scientists with special interest in biliopancreatic interventional endoscopy, especially interventional EUS. This manuscript focuses on the second part of the results of a consensus conference organized by i-EUS, with the aim of providing evidence-based guidance on several intra- and post-procedural aspects of PFCs drainage, such as clinical management and follow-up.

Pancreatitis in cystic fibrosis: Presentation, medical and surgical management, and the impact of modulator therapies

Patients with Cystic Fibrosis (CF) are at increased risk of acute (AP) and chronic (CP) pancreatitis, and their complications. The extent of remaining healthy pancreatic parenchyma determines the risk of developing future episodes of pancreatitis, as well as pancreatic exocrine or endocrine insufficiency. Pancreatitis may be the presenting symptom of CF, and genetic testing is especially important in pediatrics. AP and recurrent AP are managed with intravenous fluid hydration and pain control, in addition to early refeeding and treatment of complications. With the use of modulator therapy in CF, pancreatic function may be restored to some extent. CP related pain is managed with analgesics and neuromodulators, with surgery if indicated in specific situations including TPIAT as a possible type of surgical intervention. Long-term sequelae of CP in patients with CF include exocrine pancreatic insufficiency treated with pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy, fat-soluble vitamin deficiencies and associated metabolic complications such as bone disease/osteoporosis, pancreatogenic diabetes, and less commonly, pancreatic cancer. We review the presentation and etiologies of pancreatitis in CF patients as well as the management of AP and CP primarily in children.

Prediction model establishment and validation for enteral nutrition aspiration during hospitalization in patients with acute pancreatitis

BACKGROUND

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is a disease caused by abnormal activation of pancreatic enzymes and can lead to self-digestion of pancreatic tissues and dysfunction of other organs. Enteral nutrition plays a vital role in the treatment of AP because it can meet the nutritional needs of patients, promote the recovery of intestinal function, and maintain the barrier and immune functions of the intestine. However, the risk of aspiration during enteral nutrition is high; once aspiration occurs, it may cause serious complications, such as aspiration pneumonia, and suffocation, posing a threat to the patient's life. This study aims to establish and validate a prediction model for enteral nutrition aspiration during hospitalization in patients with AP.

AIM

To establish and validate a predictive model for enteral nutrition aspiration during hospitalization in patients with AP.

METHODS

A retrospective review was conducted on 200 patients with AP admitted to Chengdu Shangjin Nanfu Hospital, West China Hospital of Sichuan University from January 2020 to February 2024. Clinical data were collected from the electronic medical record system. Patients were randomly divided into a validation group (n = 40) and a modeling group (n = 160) in a 1:4 ratio, matched with 200 patients from the same time period. The modeling group was further categorized into an aspiration group (n = 25) and a non-aspiration group (n = 175) based on the occurrence of enteral nutrition aspiration during hospitalization. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors influencing enteral nutrition aspiration in patients with AP during hospitalization. A prediction model for enteral nutrition aspiration during hospitalization was constructed, and calibration curves were used for validation. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was conducted to evaluate the predictive value of the model.

RESULTS

There was no statistically significant difference in general data between the validation and modeling groups (P > 0.05). The comparison of age, gender, body mass index, smoking history, hypertension history, and diabetes history showed no statistically significant difference between the two groups (P > 0.05). However, patient position, consciousness status, nutritional risk, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE-II) score, and length of nasogastric tube placement showed statistically significant differences (P < 0.05) between the two groups. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that patient position, consciousness status, nutritional risk, APACHE-II score, and length of nasogastric tube placement were independent factors influencing enteral nutrition aspiration in patients with AP during hospitalization (P < 0.05). These factors were incorporated into the prediction model, which showed good consistency between the predicted and actual risks, as indicated by calibration curves with slopes close to 1 in the training and validation sets. Receiver operating characteristic analysis revealed an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.926 (95%CI: 0.8889-0.9675) in the training set. The optimal cutoff value is 0.73, with a sensitivity of 88.4 and specificity of 85.2. In the validation set, the AUC of the model for predicting enteral nutrition aspiration in patients with AP patients during hospitalization was 0.902, with a standard error of 0.040 (95%CI: 0.8284-0.9858), and the best cutoff value was 0.73, with a sensitivity of 91.9 and specificity of 81.8.

CONCLUSION

A prediction model for enteral nutrition aspiration during hospitalization in patients with AP was established and demonstrated high predictive value. Further clinical application of the model is warranted.

Practical approach to acute pancreatitis: from diagnosis to the management of complications

The purpose of this review is to provide a practical guide for the clinical care of patients with acute pancreatitis (AP) from the management of the early phases of disease to the treatment of local complications. AP is one of the most frequent causes of gastroenterological admission in emergency departments. It is characterized by a dynamic and unpredictable course and in its most severe forms, is associated with organ dysfunction and/or local complications, requiring intensive care with significant morbidity and mortality. Initial therapy includes adequate fluid resuscitation, nutrition, analgesia, and when necessary critical care support. In recent years, the development of minimally invasive tailored treatments for local complications, such as endoscopic drainage, has improved patients' acceptance and outcomes. Despite this, the management of AP remains a challenge for clinicians. The present review was conducted by the authors, who formulated specific questions addressing the most critical and current aspects of the clinical course of AP with the aim of providing key messages.

Effects of Early Versus Delayed Feeding in Patients With Acute Pancreatitis: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to summarize the optimal strategy for early feeding in patients with acute pancreatitis.

METHODS

The search was undertaken in electronic databases, which compared early with delayed feeding in acute pancreatitis. The primary outcome was the length of hospital stay (LOHS). The second outcomes were intolerance of refeeding, mortality, and total cost of each patient. This meta-analysis followed the "Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses" guideline. Research is registered by PROSPERO, CRD42020192133.

RESULTS

A total of 20 trials involving 2168 patients were included, randomly assigned to the early feeding group (N = 1033) and delayed feeding group (N = 1135). The LOHS was significantly lower in the early feeding group than the delayed feeding group (mean difference: -2.35, 95% CI: -2.89 to -1.80; P < 0.0001), no matter the mild or severe subgroup ( Pint = 0.69). The secondary outcome of feeding intolerance and mortality were no significant difference (risk ratio: 0.96, 0.40 to 2.16, P = 0.87 and 0.91, 0.57 to 1.46, P = 0.69; respectively). Moreover, the hospitalization cost was significantly less in the early feeding group, resulting in an average savings of 50%. In patients with severe pancreatitis, early feeding after 24 hours may be beneficial ( Pint = 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Early oral feeding can significantly reduce the LOHS and hospitalization costs in patients with acute pancreatitis without increasing feeding intolerance or mortality. In patients with severe pancreatitis, early feeding after 24 hours may be beneficial.

American College of Gastroenterology Guidelines: Management of Acute Pancreatitis

Acute pancreatitis (AP), defined as acute inflammation of the pancreas, is one of the most common diseases of the gastrointestinal tract leading to hospital admission in the United States. It is important for clinicians to appreciate that AP is heterogenous, progressing differently among patients and is often unpredictable. While most patients experience symptoms lasting a few days, almost one-fifth of patients will go on to experience complications, including pancreatic necrosis and/or organ failure, at times requiring prolonged hospitalization, intensive care, and radiologic, surgical, and/or endoscopic intervention. Early management is essential to identify and treat patients with AP to prevent complications. Patients with biliary pancreatitis typically will require surgery to prevent recurrent disease and may need early endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography if the disease is complicated by cholangitis. Nutrition plays an important role in treating patients with AP. The safety of early refeeding and importance in preventing complications from AP are addressed. This guideline will provide an evidence-based practical approach to the management of patients with AP.

Recent Treatment Strategies for Acute Pancreatitis

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is a leading gastrointestinal disease that causes hospitalization. Initial management in the first 72 h after the diagnosis of AP is pivotal, which can influence the clinical outcomes of the disease. Initial management, including assessment of disease severity, fluid resuscitation, pain control, nutritional support, antibiotic use, and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in gallstone pancreatitis, plays a fundamental role in AP treatment. Recent updates for fluid resuscitation, including treatment goals, the type, rate, volume, and duration, have triggered a paradigm shift from aggressive hydration with normal saline to goal-directed and non-aggressive hydration with lactated Ringer's solution. Evidence of the clinical benefit of early enteral feeding is becoming definitive. The routine use of prophylactic antibiotics is generally limited, and the procalcitonin-based algorithm of antibiotic use has recently been investigated to distinguish between inflammation and infection in patients with AP. Although urgent ERCP (within 24 h) should be performed for patients with gallstone pancreatitis and cholangitis, urgent ERCP is not indicated in patients without cholangitis. The management approach for patients with local complications of AP, particularly those with infected necrotizing pancreatitis, is discussed in detail, including indications, timing, anatomical considerations, and selection of intervention methods. Furthermore, convalescent treatment, including cholecystectomy in gallstone pancreatitis, lipid-lowering medications in hypertriglyceridemia-induced AP, and alcohol intervention in alcoholic pancreatitis, is also important for improving the prognosis and preventing recurrence in patients with AP. This review focuses on recent updates on the initial and convalescent management strategies for AP.

Triglyceride Clearance in Hypertriglyceridemic Pancreatitis: Time Course and Its Implications for Management

OBJECTIVE

To characterize the time course of triglyceride (Tg) lowering in hypertriglyceridemic (HTg) pancreatitis according to the initial Tg values, causes, and interventions.

METHODS

Patients hospitalized from October 2013 through December of 2018 with a diagnosis of pancreatitis associated with HTg (Tg level, ≥500 mg/dL), in the absence of other causes, were identified by medical record review. Tg lowering was retrospectively assessed for differences in relation to the initial Tg values, use of intravenous insulin, ethanol-associated versus nonethanol-associated causes, and time to Tg values of <500 versus <1000 mg/dL.

RESULTS

Sixty-six cases were identified, and 45 had multiple measurements for time-course evaluation. Those with initial Tg values of <4000 mg/dL achieved Tg levels of <1000 mg/dL in <3 days, whereas 18.8% with higher values took 5-9 days. Insulin therapy was associated with a longer duration of HTg, whereas ethanol was associated with a shorter duration. Tg clearance in ethanol-associated HTg appeared independent of insulin treatment. Time to Tg levels of <500 mg/dL versus <1000 mg/dL was significantly longer when the initial Tg levels were >2000 mg/dL.

CONCLUSION

A threshold of 4000 mg/dL for the initial Tg levels in HTg pancreatitis appears to separate patients who are likely to achieve Tg levels of <1000 mg/dL in <3 versus >3 days, independent of cause or treatment. Insulin therapy is appropriate for patients with hyperglycemia but appears unnecessary for those with isolated ethanol-associated HTg. A threshold Tg level of <1000 mg/dL appears more practical than that of <500 mg/dL for resuming nutritional intake.

Impact of solid food provision within 24 hours of hospital admission on clinical outcomes for adult patients with acute pancreatitis: A literature review

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is a common gastrointestinal disease necessitating hospitalization, with incidence increasing both in the United States and worldwide. Some recent guidelines for hospitalized patients with AP recommend initiation of oral feeding within 24 h of admission; however, a lack of clarity regarding feeding time and diet orders in clinical practice still exists. This review presents recent randomized clinical trials regarding feeding administration for patients with mild to moderate AP. The results indicate that initiation of a low-fat solid oral diet within 24 h of admission does not increase the instance of negative outcomes and may also provide positive benefits to patients with AP.

Home care/outpatient versus hospital admission in mild acute pancreatitis: protocol of a multicentre, randomised controlled trial (PADI_2 trial)

INTRODUCTION

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is the third most common gastrointestinal disease resulting in hospital admission, with over 70% of AP admissions being mild cases. In the USA, it costs 2.5 billion dollars annually. The most common standard management of mild AP (MAP) still is hospital admission. Patients with MAP usually achieve complete recovery in less than a week and the severity predictor scales are reliable. The aim of this study will be to compare three different strategies for the management of MAP.

METHODS/DESIGN

This is a randomised, controlled, three-arm multicentre trial. Patients with MAP will be randomly assigned to group A (outpatient), B (home care) or C (hospital admission). The primary endpoint of the trial will be the treatment failure rate of the outpatient/home care management for patients with MAP compared with that of hospitalised patients. The secondary endpoints will be pain relapse, diet intolerance, hospital readmission, hospital length of stay, need for intensive care unit admission, organ failure, complications, costs and patient satisfaction. The general feasibility, safety and quality checks required for high-quality evidence will be adhered to.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

The study (version 3.0, 10/2022) has been approved by the Scientific and Research Ethics Committee of the 'Institut d'Investigació Sanitaria Pere Virgili-IISPV' (093/2022). This study will provide evidence as to whether outpatient/home care is similar to usual management of AP. The conclusions of this study will be published in an open-access journal.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

ClinicalTrials.gov Registry (NCT05360797).

Gastrointestinal Disease: New Diagnostic and Therapeutic Approaches

Gastrointestinal diseases (GIDs) involve various benign and malignant pathologies of the digestive tract, as well as the liver, biliary tract, and pancreas [...].

Nutrition in Acute Pancreatitis: From the Old Paradigm to the New Evidence

The nutritional management of acute pancreatitis (AP) patients has widely changed over time. The "pancreatic rest" was the cornerstone of the old paradigm, and nutritional support was not even included in AP management. Traditional management of AP was based on intestinal rest, with or without complete parenteral feeding. Recently, evidence-based data underlined the superiority of early oral or enteral feeding with significantly decreased multiple-organ failure, systemic infections, surgery need, and mortality rate. Despite the current recommendations, experts still debate the best route for enteral nutritional support and the best enteral formula. The aim of this work is to collect and analyze evidence over the nutritional aspects of AP management to investigate its impact. Moreover, the role of immunonutrition and probiotics in modulating inflammatory response and gut dysbiosis during AP was extensively studied. However, we have no significant data for their use in clinical practice. This is the first work to move beyond the mere opposition between the old and the new paradigm, including an analysis of several topics still under debate in order to provide a comprehensive overview of nutritional management of AP.

Update on the management of acute pancreatitis

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This review provides insight into the recent advancements in the management of acute pancreatitis.

RECENT FINDINGS

Moderate fluid resuscitation and Ringer's lactate has advantages above aggressive fluid resuscitation and normal saline, respectively. A normal "on-demand" diet has a positive effect on recovery from acute pancreatitis and length of hospital stay. A multimodal pain management approach including epidural analgesia might reduce unwarranted effects of opiate use. A more targeted use of antibiotics is starting to emerge. Markers such as procalcitonin may be used to limit unwarranted antibiotic use. Conversely, many patients with infected necrotizing pancreatitis can be treated with only antibiotics, although the optimal choice and duration is unclear. Delay of drainage as much as is possible is advised since it is associated with less procedures. If drainage is required, clinicians have an expanding arsenal of interventional options to their disposal such as the lumen-apposing metal stent for transgastric drainage and (repeated) necrosectomy. Immunomodulation using removal of systemic cytokines or anti-inflammatory drugs is an attractive idea, but up to now the results of clinical trials are disappointing. No additional preventive measures beside non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can be recommended for post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) pancreatitis.

SUMMARY

More treatment modalities that are less invasive became available and a trend towards less aggressive treatments (fluids, starvation, interventions, opiates) of acute pancreatitis is again emerging. Despite recent advancements, the pathophysiology of specific subgroup phenotypes is still poorly understood which reflects the disappointing results of pharmacological and immunomodulatory trials.

International multidisciplinary survey on the initial management of acute pancreatitis: Perspective of point-of-care specialists focused on daily practice

BACKGROUND

The initial management of patients with acute pancreatitis impacts both morbidity and mortality. Point-of-care decisions have been reported to differ from clinical guideline recommendations.

METHODS

An online anonymous questionnaire was distributed through scientific associations and social media using REDCap. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify the characteristics of participants associated with compliance with the recommendations.

RESULTS

A total of 1054 participants from 94 countries completed the questionnaire; median age (IQR) was 39 (32-47) years; 30.7% were women. Among the participants, 37% opted for nonmoderate flow of i.v. fluid, 31% for fluid type other than Ringer's lactate; 73.4% were in favor of nil per os to patients who could eat, 75.5% for other than enteral feeding to patients with oral intolerance; 15.5% used prophylactic antibiotic in patients with severe acute pancreatitis, 34.1% in necrotizing acute pancreatitis, and 27.4% in patients with systemic inflammatory response syndrome; 27.8% delayed cholecystectomy after biliary acute pancreatitis. Participants with publications in PubMed on acute pancreatitis showed better compliance (OR, 1.62; 95% CI: 1.15-2.32; P = .007) with recommendations of the clinical guidelines.

CONCLUSIONS

Feeding and nutrition require the greatest improvement efforts, but also the use of prophylactic antibiotics and timing of cholecystectomy should be improved.

Prospective evaluation of an emergency department protocol to prevent hospitalization in mild acute pancreatitis: Outcomes and predictors of discharge

BACKGROUND

While acute pancreatitis (AP) contributes significantly to hospitalizations and costs, most cases are mild with minimal complications. In 2016, we piloted an observation pathway in the emergency department (ED) for mild AP and showed reduced admissions and length of stay (LOS) without increased readmissions or mortality. After 5 years of implementation, we evaluated outcomes of the ED pathway and identified predictors of successful discharge.

METHODS

We reviewed a prospectively enrolled cohort of patients with mild AP presenting to a tertiary care center ED between 10/2016 and 9/2021, evaluating LOS, charges, imaging, and 30-day readmission, and assessed predictors of successful ED discharge. Patients were divided into two main groups: successfully discharged via the ED pathway ("ED cohort") and admitted to the hospital ("admission cohort"), with subgroups to compare outcomes, and multivariate analysis to determine predictors of discharge.

RESULTS

Of 619 AP patients, 419 had mild AP (109 ED cohort, 310 admission cohort). The ED cohort was younger (age 49.3 vs 56.3,p < 0.001), had lower Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) (1.30 vs 2.43, p < 0.001), shorter LOS (12.3 h vs 116 h, p < 0.001), lower charges (mean $6768 vs $19886, p < 0.001) and less imaging, without differences in 30-day readmissions. Increasing age (OR: 0.97; p < 0.001), increasing CCI (OR: 0.75; p < 0.001) and biliary AP (OR: 0.10; p < 0.001) were associated with decreased ED discharge, while idiopathic AP had increased ED discharge (OR: 7.8; p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

After appropriate triage, patients with mild AP (age <50, CCI <2, idiopathic AP) can safely discharge from the ED with improved outcomes and cost savings.

Advances in acute and chronic pancreatitis

Acute pancreatitis (AP) and chronic pancreatitis are the third leading gastrointestinal causes for admissions and readmissions to hospitals in the United States. This review of articles published between 2019-2022 (December) from international sources identified four categories of crucial new findings: The report includes (1) New genetic pathogenic mutations (TRPV6); expected genetic outcomes in a Northern European population; (2) a new serum diagnostic marker for AP-fatty acid ethyl esters-distinguishing acute pancreatitis associated with alcohol; explanations of the impact of monocytes/macrophages on the inflammatory process that defines their future in diagnosis, staging, and treatment; (3) innovations in timing of per os low-fat, solid food intake immediately on admission; resolution of concepts of aggressive parenteral fluid intake; dramatic shifts to non-operative from operative treatment of infected pancreatic necrosis. Each modification reduced interventions, complications, and lengths-of-stay; and (4) authoritarian recommendations for medical treatment of chronic pain. These advances offer opportunities to initiate newly proven treatments to enhance outcomes, alter the natural history, and envision the future of two diseases that have no known cure.

Optimal initial diet in mild acute pancreatitis: A comprehensive meta-analysis of randomized control trials

OBJECTIVE

We performed a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis comparing initiation of full solid diet (FSD) versus stepwise diet to better define the management of patients with mild acute pancreatitis (AP).

METHODS

Electronic databases were searched through August 2, 2021 for trials comparing initial FSD versus stepwise advancement in patients with mild AP on length of hospital stay (LOHS). We stratified by whether diet was initiated early (within 24 h or immediately upon presence of bowel sounds).

RESULTS

We identified seven RCTs that compared LOHS in AP patients who received initial oral intake with solid diet versus stepwise diet. Across the studies a total of 305 patients were randomized to immediate FSD and 308 patients to sequential advancement. Patients who were initiated on a FSD had a significant reduction in total LOHS (Standardized Mean Difference (SMD) -0.52 [95% CI -0.69, -0.36]). There was no difference in post refeeding abdominal pain, tolerance of diet, or necessity to cease diet between the two groups. Sub-analysis of three studies that initiated FSD early reduced total LOHS (OR -0.95 [95% CI -1.26, -0.65]) compared to those who received graded diet advancement as well as higher likelihood of tolerating the assigned diet (OR 6.8 [95% CI 1.2, 39.2]).

CONCLUSIONS

Our meta-analysis shows that initiation of FSD reduces total LOHS in patients with mild AP and does not increase post refeeding abdominal pain. Though additional high-quality studies are needed, these findings support initial solid diet for AP and consideration of feeding within the first 24 h.

Aggressive or Moderate Fluid Resuscitation in Acute Pancreatitis

BACKGROUND

Early aggressive hydration is widely recommended for the management of acute pancreatitis, but evidence for this practice is limited.

METHODS

At 18 centers, we randomly assigned patients who presented with acute pancreatitis to receive goal-directed aggressive or moderate resuscitation with lactated Ringer's solution. Aggressive fluid resuscitation consisted of a bolus of 20 ml per kilogram of body weight, followed by 3 ml per kilogram per hour. Moderate fluid resuscitation consisted of a bolus of 10 ml per kilogram in patients with hypovolemia or no bolus in patients with normovolemia, followed by 1.5 ml per kilogram per hour in all patients in this group. Patients were assessed at 12, 24, 48, and 72 hours, and fluid resuscitation was adjusted according to the patient's clinical status. The primary outcome was the development of moderately severe or severe pancreatitis during the hospitalization. The main safety outcome was fluid overload. The planned sample size was 744, with a first planned interim analysis after the enrollment of 248 patients.

RESULTS

A total of 249 patients were included in the interim analysis. The trial was halted owing to between-group differences in the safety outcomes without a significant difference in the incidence of moderately severe or severe pancreatitis (22.1% in the aggressive-resuscitation group and 17.3% in the moderate-resuscitation group; adjusted relative risk, 1.30; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.78 to 2.18; P = 0.32). Fluid overload developed in 20.5% of the patients who received aggressive resuscitation and in 6.3% of those who received moderate resuscitation (adjusted relative risk, 2.85; 95% CI, 1.36 to 5.94, P = 0.004). The median duration of hospitalization was 6 days (interquartile range, 4 to 8) in the aggressive-resuscitation group and 5 days (interquartile range, 3 to 7) in the moderate-resuscitation group.

CONCLUSIONS

In this randomized trial involving patients with acute pancreatitis, early aggressive fluid resuscitation resulted in a higher incidence of fluid overload without improvement in clinical outcomes. (Funded by Instituto de Salud Carlos III and others; WATERFALL ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT04381169.).

Nutrition in acute pancreatitis: when, what and how

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This review intends to discuss recently available evidence in three topics related to nutrition in patients with acute pancreatitis, namely timing of refeeding, type of nutritional therapy and its route of administration.

RECENT FINDINGS

Recent lines of research confirm that early oral feeding leads to shorter length of stay, fewer complications and lower costs in patients with acute pancreatitis. Moreover, early (<48 h) enteral nutrition led to decreased hospital mortality in patients with mild and severe acute pancreatitis; thus, in case of intolerance to oral feeding or severe disease, nutritional therapy should be offered within 24-72 h. Furthermore, enteral nutrition should be preferred against parenteral nutrition, as it is related to shorter length of stay and less complications, while initial data bring to light the potential role of the soluble dietary fibre polydextrose as an agent that could lead to faster achievement of energy goal with concomitant lower rates of feeding intolerance. Finally, enteral nutrition can be administered through gastric or jejunal feeding, depending on digestive tolerance, whereas latest data also address the safety of percutaneous gastrostomy with a jejunal extension for enteral nutrition administration. However, more data about its real benefit are warranted.

SUMMARY

Accumulating evidence confirms the importance of early oral refeeding or early administration of enteral nutrition as vital parts of the armamentarium for the management of patients with acute pancreatitis.

JPN clinical practice guidelines 2021 with easy-to-understand explanations for the management of acute pancreatitis

BACKGROUND

In preparing the Japanese (JPN) guidelines for the management of acute pancreatitis 2021, the committee focused the issues raised by the results of nationwide epidemiological survey in 2016 in Japan METHOD: In addition to a systematic search using the previous JPN guidelines, papers published from January 2014 to September 2019 were searched for the contents to be covered by the guidelines based on the concept of GRADE system.

RESULTS

Thirty-six clinical questions (CQ) were prepared in 15 subject areas. Base on the facts that patients diagnosed with severe disease by both Japanese prognostic factor score and contrast-enhanced CT grade had a high fatality rate and that little prognosis improvement after 2 weeks of disease onset was not obtained, we emphasized the importance of Pancreatitis Bundles, which was shown to be effective in improving prognosis, and the CQ sections for local pancreatic complications had been expanded to ensure adoption of a step-up approach. Furthermore, on the facts that enteral nutrition for severe acute pancreatitis was not started early within 48 hours of admission and that unnecessary prophylactic antibiotics was used in almost all cases, we emphasized early enteral nutrition in small amounts even if gastric feeding is used and no prophylactic antibiotics in mild pancreatitis.

CONCLUSION

All the members of the committee have put a lot of effort into preparing the extensively revised guidelines in the hope that more people will have a common understanding and that better medical care will be spread.

Effects of immediate or early oral feeding on acute pancreatitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The timing of oral refeeding can affect length of stay (LOS) and recovery of acute pancreatitis (AP). However, the optimal timing for oral refeeding is still controversial for AP. This meta-analysis investigated the effects of immediate or early versus delayed oral feeding on mild and moderate AP, regardless of improvement in clinical signs or laboratory indicators.

METHODS

This systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) based on data from Embase, Cochrane Library, PubMed, Web of science, and CBM before August 2021. Two researchers independently used Stata16 to extract and analyse study data. Random effect model was performed for meta-analysis to calculate the risk ratio (RR) and standardized mean difference (SMD).

RESULTS

8 RCTs were selected, including 748 patients with mild to moderate AP. Patients in IOR (Immediate or early Oral Refeeding) group had less costs [SMD -0.83, 95%CI (-1.17, -0.5), P < 0.001] and shorter LOS [SMD -1.01, 95%CI (-1.17, -0.85), P < 0.001] than the DOR (Delayed Oral Refeeding) group patients. However, there was no difference in mortality [RR 0.54, 95%CI (0.11, 2.62), P = 0.44], pain relapse rate [RR 0.58, 95%CI (0.25, 1.35), P = 0.27], feeding intolerance rate [RR 0.61, 95%CI (0.28, 1.3), P = 0.2], AP progression rate [RR 0.21, 95%CI (0.04, 1.07), P = 0.06] and overall complications rate [RR 0.41, 95%CI (0.17, 1.01), P = 0.05] between the IOR and DOR groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Limited data suggest that IOR could reduce LOS and costs without increasing adverse events in mild to moderate AP.