Oral feeding in necrotizing pancreatitis.

BACKGROUND: Restoration of gastrointestinal function is a crucial determinant of favorable outcome in severe acute pancreatitis (SAP). The purpose of this study was to retrospectively review our experience with early oral feeding in patients with the necrotizing form of SAP. Over the last 10 years, we have routinely gradually increased oral feeds in order to restore gastrointestinal function. METHODS: Early low volume oral (ELVO) feeds containing 248-330 kcal/daily were routinely provided for all patients to help stimulate gastrointestinal function. Patients who received ELVO feeding within 72 hours of admission were allocated to Group I; those who received ELVO feeds after 72 hours were allocated to Group II. The volume and calories of the feed, magnitude of systemic inflammation, levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) and lipase, incidence of organ dysfunction, main outcomes, and complications were analyzed. RESULTS: In total, 129 patients received ELVO feedings. The mean CRP level on day 7 was 160 +/- 77.6 mg/l in Group I compared to 200.2 +/- 103.2 mg/l in Group II, p = 0.043. Normalization of CRP below 100 mg/l was observed on day 14 in both groups. The rate of infection and the need for surgical intervention (46.8% vs. 26%) were significantly higher in Group II (p = 0.026). Group II also had longer ICU/hospital stays (p = 0.039/p = 0.002). Overall mortality was 10%. CONCLUSIONS: ELVO feeding provides physiologic stimulation and promotes recovery of bowel function, preparing the gastrointestinal tract for low-fat hospital food in patients with necrotizing SAP. The majority of patients required no additional nutritional support.

Early low volume oral synbiotic/prebiotic supplemented enteral stimulation of the gut in patients with severe acute pancreatitis: a prospective feasibility study.

BACKGROUND: Experience with administration of synbiotics (prebiotics/probiotics) in patients with severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) has demonstrated immunomodulatory capacity. The aim of this trial was evaluation of the feasibility and perspective of early clinical application of oral synbiotic/prebiotic supplements in patients with SAP. METHODS: 90 SAP patients were enrolled during the period from 2005-2008. Patients were stratified according to the feeding mode. CONTROL (n = 32) group received standard whole protein feeding formula. SYNBIO (n = 30) and FIBRE groups (n = 28) received early (within first 24-48 hours) synbiotic or prebiotic supplements. Oral administration of synbiotics or prebiotics was commenced when patients were able to sip water. RESULTS: Daily provided average volume and calories of synbiotic/prebiotic blends were smaller compared to the CONTROL, p = 0.001. Oral administration of synbiotic/prebiotic supplements was associated with lower infection rate (pancreatic and peripancreatic necrosis) compared to the CONTROL, (p = 0.03; p = 0.001), lower rate of surgical interventions, p = 0.005, shorter ICU (p = 0.05) and hospital stay (p = 0.03). Synbiotic supplemented enteral stimulation of the gut resulted in reduced mortality rate compared to the CONTROL, p = 0.02. CONCLUSION: Early low volume oral synbiotic/prebiotic supplemented enteral stimulation of the gut seems to be a potentially valuable complement to the routine treatment protocol of SAP.

Conservative approach in the management of severe acute pancreatitis: eight-year experience in a single institution.

INTRODUCTION: Recognition of severe acute pancreatitis (SAP), intensive care, shifting away from early surgical treatment, and monitoring of the intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) is important in the management of SAP. The aim of our study was retrospective evaluation and critical assessment of the experience with SAP management protocol involving new strategy in the university hospital. METHODS: Protocols of 274 SAP patients treated in our institution during the last eight years were reassessed. APACHE II, CRP and SOFA score, IAP, pulmonary complications, ventilatory support and infection rate were evaluated. The success of the conservative treatment, surgical interventions and mortality was analysed comparing period 1 from 1999 to 2002 and period 2 from 2003 to 2006. RESULTS: More patients with necrotising SAP were treated in period 2. The average CRP and SOFA score was higher in period 2, p=0.018; p=0.011. A total of 139 patients underwent continuous veno-venous haemofiltration (CVVH) as a component of fluid resuscitation and IAP control. Application of CVVH increased in period 2, p<0.005. Only 5-8% of patients were managed with ventilatory support. The overall infection rate decreased in period 2 comprising 21%, p<0.005. Success rate of the conservative therapy reached 69% in period 2, p<0.01. Surgical treatment was performed in 41% of patients in period 1 vs. 19% in period 2, p<0.001. Overall mortality was 19%, with a reduction to 12% in year 2006. CONCLUSION: The conservative protocol-based approach is a rational treatment strategy for the management of SAP and can be successfully implemented in the setting of the university hospital.

Continuous veno-venous haemofiltration in the treatment of severe acute pancreatitis: 6-year experience.

BACKGROUND: Continuous veno-venous haemofiltration (CVVH) could be reasonable for attenuation of systemic complications in severe acute pancreatitis (SAP). The aim of the study was implementation and feasibility assessment of the CVVH in the treatment protocol of SAP. PATIENTS AND METHODS: CVVH was applied to 111 SAP patients during 2000-2005. APACHE II, systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS), multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS), serum lipase, C-reactive protein (CRP), complication rate and main outcomes were analysed comparing two periods. RESULTS: Overall, 39 patients corresponded to Balthazar grade E SAP and 72 patients to necrotizing SAP (NSAP), with an average APACHE II score of 7 and 8.5, respectively, on admission. CVVH was started within 48 h in 82% of patients. Duration of CVVH was significantly augmented in NSAP patients during the routine period, comprising 92 h (p=0.006). The clinical presentation of SIRS and MODS was similar in both periods, with more initial pulmonary dysfunctions in NSAP (p=0.048). Peripancreatic infection decreased in the routine period; surgical interventions were performed in 34.8% vs 72.4% of patients. Hospital stay comprised on average 15.9 days for grade E SAP and 29.4 days for NSAP in the routine period, with overall mortality of 10.26% and 30.5%, respectively. DISCUSSION: Application of CVVH in the treatment protocol of SAP is obscure due to relative invasiveness, a poorly understood mechanism of action and scarce clinical experience. We conclude that early pre-emptive application of CVVH is safe and feasible in the treatment of SAP. Duration of the procedure seems to be essential. Randomized clinical trials are justified. Our results are in favour of clinical application of CVVH in the treatment of SAP.

Early oral feeding in acute pancreatitis: an alternative approach to tube feeding. Preliminary report.

INTRODUCTION: Jejunal feeding is accepted in the treatment of severe acute pancreatitis (AP). Early oral feeding (EOF) is deemed to be detrimental in the early phase of AP. The aim of this study was to assess the safety and effectiveness of EOF in the treatment of AP. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 29 AP patients were prospectively enrolled within 1.96 days from the onset of disease. APACHE II score, SIRS, MODS, serum CRP and lipase were evaluated. All patients received EOF when gastro-enteric transit was not severely impaired. ICU, hospital stay and main outcomes were assessed. RESULTS: APACHE II score was > or = 8 in 10 patients at the admission ranging 0-13 points for the whole group. Alcohol (62%) and gallstones (38%) were the main etiologic factors. SIRS and MODS were diagnosed in 65% and pleural effusion in 24% of patients. EOF was started on average 3.27 days after admission providing 571 ml (280.0-1115.0 ml) of enteral formula daily for 10.38 days. Median lipase activity was 690 U/l (90-10175 U/l) and CRP concentration reached 91.25 mg/dL (3.5-210 mg/dL) before EOF. Progressive decrease of lipase activity and CRP concentration was observed during the EOF course, reaching median CRP 18.6 mg/L (4.6-96.7mg/L) by discharge. Two patients underwent surgical intervention. Minor side effects of EOF were successfully managed in 4 patients. No mortality was observed. CONCLUSION: EOF could be a safe and effective alternative of nutritional support in AP patients when gastro-enteric transit is not severely impaired. For better EOF assessment further clinical trials are required.

Increased intra-abdominal pressure: is it of any consequence in severe acute pancreatitis?

BACKGROUND: Increased intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) is detrimental for the recovery of organ function in trauma and emergency patients. The aim of this study was to assess the correlation between the dynamics of IAP and organ dysfunction in severe acute pancreatitis (SAP). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Management of SAP between 2000 and 2004 was analysed. SAP was classified according to Atlanta 1992. Organ dysfunction, systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) and outcomes in relation to the IAP were assessed. IAP was measured indirectly. RESULTS: A total of 65 patients, with an average APACHE II score of 6.44, complied with the Atlanta criteria. In all, 34 patients received conservative treatment and 31 were operated. SIRS was observed in 59 cases and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) in 61 cases. IAP was significantly higher in the 25 most complicated patients requiring renal replacement therapy (RRT), compared with 40 patients without RRT, 31.72 vs 21.4 cm/H(2)O (p=0.037). IAP interrelated positively with SOFA score (r = + 0.371, p<0.01) and organs involved (r = + 0.356, p<0.01), and negatively with platelet count and enterally provided volume (r = - 0.284, p<0.01; r = - 0.5, p<0.01, respectively). Overall mortality (9.2%) was associated with surgery and sustained increase of the IAP over 25 cm/H(2)O. Our data support the pathophysiological interrelation of elevated IAP and development of organ dysfunction. CONCLUSION: Development of organ dysfunction in SAP could be associated with increased IAP. Grade III increase of IAP should be considered as an indicator for revision of treatment modalities.