A retrospective review of the course of patients with pancreatitis discharged on jejunal feedings.
BACKGROUND
Although parenteral nutrition (PN) has been the standard nutrition therapy in patients with pancreatitis requiring nutrition support, it is associated with a higher rate of catheter-related sepsis and gut atrophy. Research suggests enteral nutrition (EN) is possible in patients with pancreatitis without exacerbating symptoms when infused jejunally. The purpose of this study was to review the course of patients with resolving pancreatitis discharged to home on EN.


METHODS
The medical records of 33 patients with a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tube with jejunal extension (PEG-J) or nasojejunal tube (NJ) who received home EN were reviewed. The data collected included duration of EN, formula used, goal and maximum tolerated flow rates, anthropometric measures, and gastrointestinal complications.


RESULTS
Ninety-seven percent of patients received a standard polymeric formula providing an average of 1845 +/- 421 kcal/d. Forty-two percent of patients took pancreatic enzyme supplements. Complications occurring in patients included nausea and vomiting (42%), feeding rate intolerance (18%), diarrhea (12%), and PEG site infection (27%). Seventy-seven percent of patients achieved nutritional goals.


CONCLUSIONS
Standard polymeric EN seems to be safe and efficacious in the home setting for patients with resolving pancreatitis.
Yoder
Andrea J
AJ
Digestive Health Center of Excellence, University of Virginia Health System, PO Box 800673, Charlottesville, Virginia 22908, USA. ajy4b@virginia.edu
Parrish
Carol Rees
CR
Yeaton
Paul
P