Enteral versus parenteral nutritional support in acute pancreatitis: A clinical review

Abstract

A critical analysis of the trials comparing enteral with parenteral nutritional support in acute pancreatitis is presented with particular scrutiny of the clinical endpoints in each trial. The heterogeneity of the trials and the discrepancies in caloric intake between enterally and parenterally fed patients are discussed. The hazards of each route of nutritional support are highlighted and the concept of 'nutritional bioavailability' in the context of acute pancreatitis is introduced. It is concluded that although there is evidence to support enteral feeding as the preferred option, both routes have a role. © 2006 Blackwell Publishing Asia Pty Ltd.