Efficacy of enteral nutrition for the treatment of pancreatitis using standard enteral formula.
OBJECTIVE
Elemental formula delivered distal to the ligament of Treitz has demonstrated efficacy in patients with pancreatitis, presumably by decreasing pancreatic stimulation. Few data exist on the use of standard enteral formula in such patients. This study describes the outcomes of pancreatitis patients managed with long-term standard enteral nutrition (EN).


METHODS
One hundred twenty-six patients managed at the University of Virginia Health System with pancreatitis requiring nutritional support between August 2000 and June 2004 received a standard formula delivered distal to the ligament of Treitz and were followed prospectively to resolution of their disease process. Predictors of improvement in CT Severity Index, duration of EN, and length of hospital stay were identified. Changes in body weight and serum albumin were determined.


RESULTS
Mean age was 50.8 +/- 15.2 yr (male, 83). Etiology included alcohol (46), gallstones (49), idiopathic (15), post-ERCP (7), drug (5), hyperlipidemia (3), and pancreas divisum (1). EN lasted a median of 18.9 (2.4 to 111.7) wk. Median CT Severity Index decreased from 4 to 2 (p < 0.001). Underweight patients gained 9.8 lbs; overweight and obese patients lost 7.2 and 28.8 lbs, respectively. Albumin concentration increased from 3 to 3.8 g/dL (p < 0.001).


CONCLUSIONS
Standard enteral formula is effective in the management of patients with complicated pancreatitis.
Makola
Diklar
D
Digestive Health Center, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, Virginia 22908-0708, USA.
Krenitsky
Joe
J
Parrish
Carol
C
Dunston
Emily
E
Shaffer
Hubert A
HA
Yeaton
Paul
P
Kahaleh
Michel
M
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D015992:Body Mass Index; D004750:Enteral Nutrition / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D005526:Food, Formulated; D006801:Humans; D007441:Intubation, Gastrointestinal; D007583:Jejunum; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010195:Pancreatitis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011859:Radiography; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D016896:Treatment Outcome