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Arvanitakis M, Ockenga J, Bezmarevic M, Gianotti L, Krznarić Ž, Lobo DN, Löser C, Madl C, Meier R, Phillips M, Rasmussen HH, Van Hooft JE, Bischoff SC. ESPEN practical guideline on clinical nutrition in acute and chronic pancreatitis. Clin Nutr 2024; 43:395-412. [PMID: 38169174 DOI: 10.1016/j.clnu.2023.12.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Both acute and chronic pancreatitis are frequent diseases of the pancreas, which, despite being of benign nature, are related to a significant risk of malnutrition and may require nutritional support. Acute necrotizing pancreatitis is encountered in 20 % of patients with acute pancreatitis, is associated with increased morbidity and mortality, and may require artificial nutrition by enteral or parenteral route, as well as additional endoscopic, radiological or surgical interventions. Chronic pancreatitis represents a chronic inflammation of the pancreatic gland with development of fibrosis. Abdominal pain leading to decreased oral intake, as well as exocrine and endocrine failure are frequent complications of the disease. All of the above represent risk factors related to malnutrition. Therefore, patients with chronic pancreatitis should be considered at risk, screened and supplemented accordingly. Moreover, osteoporosis and increased facture risk should be acknowledged in patients with chronic pancreatitis, and preventive measures should be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianna Arvanitakis
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatopancreatology, and Digestive Oncology, HUB Erasme Hospital, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium.
| | - Johann Ockenga
- Department of Gastroenterology, Endocrinology and Clinical Nutrition, Klinikum Bremen Mitte, Bremen, Germany
| | - Mihailo Bezmarevic
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Clinic for General Surgery, Military Medical Academy, University of Defense, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Luca Gianotti
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca and Department of Surgery, San Gerardo Hospital, Monza, Italy
| | - Željko Krznarić
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Clinical Hospital Centre & School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Dileep N Lobo
- Gastrointestinal Surgery, Nottingham Digestive Diseases Centre and National Institute for Health Research Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust and University of Nottingham, School of Medicine, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham, NG7 2UH, UK; MRC Versus Arthritis Centre for Musculoskeletal Ageing Research, School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham, NG7 2UH, UK; Department of Surgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | | | - Christian Madl
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Krankenanstalt Rudolfstiftung, Krankenanstaltenverbund Wien (KAV), Vienna, Austria
| | - Remy Meier
- AMB-Praxis-MagenDarm Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Mary Phillips
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Royal Surrey County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Guildford, UK
| | - Henrik Højgaard Rasmussen
- Centre for Nutrition and Bowel Disease, Department of Gastroenterology, Aalborg University Hospital, Faculty of Health, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Jeanin E Van Hooft
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Stephan C Bischoff
- Institute of Nutritional Medicine, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This review aims to discuss recent developments in the nutritional management in chronic pancreatitis. RECENT FINDINGS Nutritional assessment should be comprehensive and include dietary history, anthropometry, and biochemical nutritional parameters. Micronutrients should be evaluated at least yearly and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) at every 2-yearly intervals. Studies on pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT) have primarily evaluated coefficient of fat excretion (CFA), coefficient of nitrogen excretion (CNA), and stool weight. Two RCTs, in which patients were treated with PERT for 7 days in a blinded manner and subsequently extended for 6-12 months in an open-label manner, showed improvement in nutritional parameters. However, two subsequent RCTs failed to show any benefit, and the most recent observational study demonstrated persistence of malnutrition even after PERT. The reason for the latter findings were nonadherence to PERT and poor oral intake of calories. Therefore, it is essential to educate the patients on adherence, counsel on taking high-protein, high-calorie diet, and supplement nutrients in those with inadequate oral intake. Other associated manifestations, such as diabetes and related complications, and anxiety/depression could also contribute to malnutrition directly or indirectly, and should, therefore, be adequately managed. SUMMARY Nutritional assessment should be performed meticulously. Nutritional therapy should not be restricted to only PERT and nutritional supplementation, but should also include dietary counselling and disease related education.
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Wiese M, Gärtner S, Doller J, Tran QT, Frost F, Bannert K, Jaster R, Berlin P, Valentini L, Meyer F, Metges CC, Lamprecht G, Lerch MM, Aghdassi AA. Nutritional management of chronic pancreatitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2021; 36:588-600. [PMID: 32864758 DOI: 10.1111/jgh.15230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Revised: 07/14/2020] [Accepted: 08/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM Malnutrition is a frequent complication of chronic pancreatitis. Adequate nutritional support is imperative, but there is still uncertainty about the optimal nutritional treatment. This work systematically compiles evidence from randomized controlled trials investigating dietary interventions in chronic pancreatitis and, in a further step, contrasts those findings with existing dietary recommendations. METHODS The literature search (PubMed and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials) included English and German full-text articles, which had been published in peer-reviewed journals. Two independent reviewers identified and selected studies. For meta-analysis, forest plots with 95% confidence intervals were generated using a random-effects model. RESULTS Eleven randomized controlled trials fulfilled all selection criteria. In these trials, the following dietary interventions were tested: antioxidant treatment (n = 6), vitamin D supplementation (n = 3), supplementation with oral nutritional supplements (n = 1), and symbiotics supplementation (n = 1). Studies were of good methodological quality (mean Jadad score of 3.6) but heterogeneous in terms of interventions and study populations. Only for vitamin D, there was convincing evidence for efficacy of supplementation. We found no effect for antioxidant treatment on pain relief (standardized mean difference = -0.12; 95% confidence interval -0.73 to 0.48) and limited generalizability for interventions with oral nutritional supplements and symbiotics. CONCLUSIONS Nutritional management in chronic pancreatitis remains challenging. As well-designed randomized controlled trials are scarce, in large part, recommendations can only be based on low-level evidence studies or expert opinion. For now, consumption of a balanced diet remains the cornerstone recommendation for prevention, whereas more goal-directed interventions are indicated for specific nutrient deficiencies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mats Wiese
- Department of Medicine A, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Simone Gärtner
- Department of Medicine A, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Julia Doller
- Department of Medicine A, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Quang Trung Tran
- Department of Medicine A, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany.,Internal Medicine Department, Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hue, Vietnam
| | - Fabian Frost
- Department of Medicine A, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Karen Bannert
- Department of Medicine II, Division of Gastroenterology, Rostock University Medical Center, Rostock, Germany
| | - Robert Jaster
- Department of Medicine II, Division of Gastroenterology, Rostock University Medical Center, Rostock, Germany
| | - Peggy Berlin
- Department of Medicine II, Division of Gastroenterology, Rostock University Medical Center, Rostock, Germany
| | - Luzia Valentini
- Institute of Evidence-based Dietetics (NIED), University of Applied Sciences Neubrandenburg, Neubrandenburg, Germany
| | - Fatuma Meyer
- Institute of Evidence-based Dietetics (NIED), University of Applied Sciences Neubrandenburg, Neubrandenburg, Germany
| | - Cornelia C Metges
- Institute of Nutritional Physiology "Oskar Kellner", Leibniz Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN), Dummerstorf, Germany
| | - Georg Lamprecht
- Department of Medicine II, Division of Gastroenterology, Rostock University Medical Center, Rostock, Germany
| | - Markus M Lerch
- Department of Medicine A, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Ali A Aghdassi
- Department of Medicine A, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
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ESPEN guideline on clinical nutrition in acute and chronic pancreatitis. Clin Nutr 2020; 39:612-631. [DOI: 10.1016/j.clnu.2020.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2019] [Accepted: 01/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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Abstract
Malnutrition is a frequent complication in patients with chronic pancreatitis. Maldigestion as a consequence of pancreatic exocrine insufficiency is the major cause of malnutrition in these patients. Together with that, toxic habits and alterations of the gastroduodenal transit may play a relevant role. Malnutrition in chronic pancreatitis is associated with osteoporosis, sarcopenia, poor quality of life, and increased mortality. An adequate nutritional evaluation including anthropometric, biochemical, and morphologic parameters is recommended in these patients. Nutritional advice and support together with an adequate pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy are indicated.
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Pezzilli R, Andriulli A, Bassi C, Balzano G, Cantore M, Fave GD, Falconi M, Group LFTEPIC(EPI. Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency in adults: A shared position statement of the Italian association for the study of the pancreas. World J Gastroenterol 2013; 19:7930-7946. [PMID: 24307787 PMCID: PMC3848141 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v19.i44.7930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2013] [Revised: 08/18/2013] [Accepted: 09/17/2013] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
This is a medical position statement developed by the Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency collaborative group which is a part of the Italian Association for the Study of the Pancreas (AISP). We covered the main diseases associated with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) which are of common interest to internists/gastroenterologists, oncologists and surgeons, fully aware that EPI may also occur together with many other diseases, but less frequently. A preliminary manuscript based on an extended literature search (Medline/PubMed, Cochrane Library and Google Scholar) of published reports was prepared, and key recommendations were proposed. The evidence was discussed at a dedicated meeting in Bologna during the National Meeting of the Association in October 2012. Each of the proposed recommendations and algorithms was discussed and an initial consensus was reached. The final draft of the manuscript was then sent to the AISP Council for approval and/or modification. All concerned parties approved the final version of the manuscript in June 2013.
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Toouli J, Biankin AV, Oliver MR, Pearce CB, Wilson JS, Wray NH. Management of pancreatic exocrine insufficiency: Australasian Pancreatic Club recommendations. Med J Aust 2010; 193:461-7. [PMID: 20955123 DOI: 10.5694/j.1326-5377.2010.tb04000.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2010] [Accepted: 06/20/2010] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic exocrine insufficiency (PEI) occurs when the amounts of enzymes secreted into the duodenum in response to a meal are insufficient to maintain normal digestive processes. The main clinical consequence of PEI is fat maldigestion and malabsorption, resulting in steatorrhoea. Pancreatic exocrine function is commonly assessed by conducting a 3-day faecal fat test and by measuring levels of faecal elastase-1 and serum trypsinogen. Pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy is the mainstay of treatment for PEI. In adults, the initial recommended dose of pancreatic enzymes is 25,000 units of lipase per meal, titrating up to a maximum of 80,000 units of lipase per meal. In infants and children, the initial recommended dose of pancreatic enzymes is 500 units of lipase per gram of dietary fat; the maximum daily dose should not exceed 10,000 units of lipase per kilogram of bodyweight. Oral pancreatic enzymes should be taken with meals to ensure adequate mixing with the chyme. Adjunct therapy with acid-suppressing agents may be useful in patients who continue to experience symptoms of PEI despite high-dose enzyme therapy. A dietitian experienced in treating PEI should be involved in patient management. Dietary fat restriction is not recommended for patients with PEI. Patients with PEI should be encouraged to consume small, frequent meals and to abstain from alcohol. Medium-chain triglycerides do not provide any clear nutritional advantage over long-chain triglycerides, but can be trialled in patients who fail to gain or to maintain adequate bodyweight in order to increase energy intake.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Toouli
- Department of Surgery, Flinders Medical Centre, Adelaide, SA, Australia.
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Frulloni L, Falconi M, Gabbrielli A, Gaia E, Graziani R, Pezzilli R, Uomo G, Andriulli A, Balzano G, Benini L, Calculli L, Campra D, Capurso G, Cavestro GM, De Angelis C, Ghezzo L, Manfredi R, Malesci A, Mariani A, Mutignani M, Ventrucci M, Zamboni G, Amodio A, Vantini I, Bassi C, Delle Fave G, Frulloni L, Vantini I, Falconi M, Frulloni L, Gabbrielli A, Graziani R, Pezzilli R, Capurso IV, Cavestro GM, De Angelis C, Falconi M, Gaia E, Ghezzo L, Gabbrielli A, Graziani R, Manfredi R, Malesci A, Mariani A, Mutignani M, Pezzilli R, Uomo G, Ventrucci M, Zamboni G, Vantini I, Magarini F, Albarello L, Alfieri S, Amodio A, Andriulli A, Anti M, Arcidiacono P, Baiocchi L, Balzano G, Benini L, Berretti D, Boraschi P, Buscarini E, Calculli L, Carroccio A, Campra D, Celebrano MR, Capurso G, Casadei R, Cavestro GM, Chilovi F, Conigliaro R, Dall'Oglio L, De Angelis C, De Boni M, De Pretis G, Di Priolo S, Di Sebastiano PL, Doglietto GB, Falconi M, Filauro M, Frieri G, Frulloni L, Fuini A, Gaia E, Ghezzo L, Gabbrielli A, Graziani R, Loriga P, Macarri G, Manes G, Manfredi R, Malesci A, Mariani A, Massucco P, Milani S, Mutignani M, Pasquali C, Pederzoli P, Pezzilli R, Pietrangeli M, Rocca R, Russello D, Siquini W, Traina M, Uomo G, Veneroni L, Ventrucci M, Zilli M, Zamboni G. Italian consensus guidelines for chronic pancreatitis. Dig Liver Dis 2010; 42 Suppl 6:S381-406. [PMID: 21078490 DOI: 10.1016/s1590-8658(10)60682-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
This paper gives practical guidelines for diagnosis and treatment of chronic pancreatitis. Statements have been elaborated by working teams of experts, by searching for and analysing the literature, and submitted to a consensus process by using a Delphi modified procedure. The statements report recommendations on clinical and nutritional approach, assessment of pancreatic function, treatment of exocrine pancreatic failure and of secondary diabetes, treatment of pain and prevention of painful relapses. Moreover, the role of endoscopy in approaching pancreatic pain, pancreatic stones, duct narrowing and dilation, and complications was considered. Recommendations for most appropriate use of various imaging techniques and of ultrasound endoscopy are reported. Finally, a group of recommendations are addressed to the surgical treatment, with definition of right indications, timing, most appropriate procedures and techniques in different clinical conditions and targets, and clinical and functional outcomes following surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Frulloni
- Department of Medicine, University of Verona, Verona, Italy.
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Mössner J, Keim V. Pancreatic enzyme therapy. DEUTSCHES ARZTEBLATT INTERNATIONAL 2010; 108:578-82. [PMID: 21904592 DOI: 10.3238/arztebl.2011.0578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2010] [Accepted: 12/14/2010] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Treatment with pancreatic enzymes must be based on an understanding of the normal physiology and pathophysiology of exocrine pancreatic function, as well as of the diseases that cause exocrine pancreatic insufficiency of either a structural or a functional type. These include chronic pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer, cystic fibrosis, pancreaticocibal asynchrony after gastric or pancreatic surgery, and celiac disease. METHODS Selective review of the literature. RESULTS Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency can cause meteorism, diarrhea, steatorrhea, and weight loss. All of these manifestations are non-specific except steatorrhea. Enzyme supplementation is indicated only for the treatment of demonstrated pancreatic dysfunction; unfortunately, however, no sensitive and specific pancreatic function tests are currently available. As a result, pancreatic enzyme supplementation is considered to be indicated on pragmatic grounds when, for example, the patient is suffering from diarrhea and weight loss and has been demonstrated to have a disease leading to exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. To be acceptable for clinical use, a pancreatin preparation must satisfy the following criteria: it must be enterically coated, so that it will not be destroyed by gastric acid; mix well with gastric chyme; exit the stomach simultaneously with chyme; and be rapidly released from its enteric coating upon entering the duodenum. Although there have been no large-scale, randomized comparative studies of different types of pancreatin preparation, the current clinical preference is for enterically coated micropellets or minitablets with a diameter of 2 mm or less. The initial dosage is 20 000 to 40 000 units of lipase taken once or twice per meal, with dose adjustment afterward as needed. The dose can be raised, and a proton-pump inhibitor can be added on. CONCLUSION There is still no simple test that can be used to diagnose pancreatic exocrine insufficiency with certainty. The treatment is symptomatic; its goals are to lessen steatorrhea and reverse weight loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joachim Mössner
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik für Gastroenterologie und Rheumatologie, Department für Innere Medizin, Neurologie und Dermatologie, Universitätsklinikum Leipzig AöR, Liebigstr. 20, 04103 Leipzig, Germany.
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Caliari S, Vantini I, Sembenini C, Gregori B, Carnielli V, Benini L. Fecal fat measurement in the presence of long- and medium-chain triglycerides and fatty acids. Comparison of three methods. Scand J Gastroenterol 1996; 31:863-7. [PMID: 8888432 DOI: 10.3109/00365529609051993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND It has been suggested that some of the limitations of the Van de Kamer method for fecal fat measurement could be overcome with the Jeejeebhoy method or the near-infrared reflectance assay. METHODS To test this hypothesis, a fecal fat test was carried out with the three methods, adding butter or MCT oil to the diet of four steatorrhoic patients. An in vitro recovery study of long- and medium-chain triglycerides was also performed. RESULTS The Jeejeebhoy method measured long- and medium-chain fats more accurately than the Van de Kamer method. It found consistently higher steatorrhea values. Mean results of the near-infrared reflectance analysis resembled those of the Van de Kamer method, but with wide discordance of individual data. CONCLUSION The Jeejeebhoy method is more accurate than the Van de Kamer method for fecal fat measurement. The difference may be clinically relevant when most fecal fatty acids derive from medium-chain triglycerides. Near-infrared reflectance may be a viable proposition only when a greater degree of approximation is acceptable.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Caliari
- Division of Gastroenterologic Rehabilitation, University of Verona, Italy
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Caliari S, Benini L, Sembenini C, Gregori B, Carnielli V, Vantini I. Medium-chain triglyceride absorption in patients with pancreatic insufficiency. Scand J Gastroenterol 1996; 31:90-4. [PMID: 8927947 DOI: 10.3109/00365529609031633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The role of medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) in the management of patients with pancreatic insufficiency is controversial. The aim of the study was to evaluate the absorption of MCTs in the presence of pancreatic insufficiency and the effect of pancreatic extracts on MCT absorption so as to clarify whether the replacement of usual dietary fats with MCTs is cost-effective. METHODS Six patients with severe pancreatic steatorrhea were for 5 days fed a low-fat diet to which butter (long-chain triglycerides (LCTs)) or MCT oil was added, with and without pancreatic extracts, in a crossover design. RESULTS Fecal weight and nitrogen losses were the same during MCT and LCT intake. Steatorrhea was substantial during both periods but was significantly lower during MCT than LCT intake. Fecal weight and nitrogen and fat losses were reduced by pancreatic extracts in both diets. Steatorrhea was the same when MCTs and LCTs were consumed together with pancreatic extracts. CONCLUSIONS MCTs are absorbed better than LCTs in the presence of pancreatic insufficiency but require pancreatic extracts for optimal absorption. No advantage is to be expected from replacing usual dietary fats with MCTs if pancreatic supplements are used.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Caliari
- Division of Gastroenterologic Rehabilitation, University of Verona, Italy
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Green CJ. Nutritional support in HIV infection and AIDS. Clin Nutr 1995; 14:197-212. [PMID: 16843933 DOI: 10.1016/s0261-5614(95)80001-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/1994] [Accepted: 04/10/1995] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Weight loss and wasting are common features of HIV infection and AIDS. Patterns of weight loss can be acute or chronic which appear to be related primarily to systemic infections and gastrointestinal pathology, respectively. However, weight loss is not inevitable. and periods of weight stability and weight gain have been documented. Reduced food intake appears to be a major cause of weight loss in HIV infection. Since time of death has been associated with degree of wasting, it seems reasonable to suggest that nutritional support may contribute to enhancing survival and quality of life. All patients should have early access to a qualified dietitian such that assessment of individual situations can be made and appropriate dietary advice given, within a multi-disciplinary approach. Choice of nutritional therapy should be made based on an assessment of the causes of weight loss and an assessment of gut function. Treating infections and alleviating symptoms is vital for ensuring effective nutritional support. Enhancing the energy and protein density of foods and use of oral supplements should be considered if a normal diet alone cannot meet nutritional requirements. Unnecessary dietary restrictions should be avoided. Enteral feeding is indicated for patients unable to meet their needs via the oral route, and in cases of inadequate gut function, parenteral nutrition may be necessary. There is currently insufficient clinical evidence to justify the need for special enteral formulae specifically for patients with HIV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- C J Green
- Nutricia Research, PO Box 1, 2700 MA Zoetermeer, The Netherlands
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