Researchers at Kobe University release new data on acute pancreatitis

   "The possibility has recently been reported that selective digestive decontamination (SDD) and enteral nutrition (EN) may alleviate the complications and reduce the mortality rate in patients with SAP. We analyzed the treatment outcome of SDD and EN in patients with SAP. We divided 90 patients with SAP into three groups: SDD(-)EN(-),group A; SDD(+)EN(-), group B; and SDD(+)EN(+), group C. Clinical outcome was analyzed retrospectively. The effect of SDD was compared in groups A and B, and the effect of EN was compared in groups B and C. The background of patients was not significantly different between the groups. SDD reduced the incidence of organ dysfunction (from 70% to 59%) and the mortality rate (from 40% to 28%), but the differences were not significant. EN reduced the incidence of infected pancreatic necrosis (from 31% to 24%) and the frequency of surgery for pancreas (from 28% to 18%), and further reduced the mortality rate (from 28% for SDD to 16%), but the differences were not significant. The peripheral lymphocyte count was significantly increased in patients with EN. SDD and EN did not significantly affect the treatment outcome in SAP. However, the results in this study raise the possibility that SDD and EN may decrease the complications and reduce the mortality rate in SAP," wrote H. Sawa and colleagues, Kobe University.

   The researchers concluded: "The efficacy of SDD and EN for SAP should be evaluated in a randomized controlled trial."

   Sawa and colleagues published their study in the Journal of Hepato - Biliary - Pancreatic Surgery (Treatment outcome of selective digestive decontamination and enteral nutrition in patients with severe acute pancreatitis. Journal of Hepato - Biliary - Pancreatic Surgery, 2007;14(5):503-508).

   For additional information, contact H. Sawa, Kobe University, Graduate School of Medicine Science, Dept. of Surgery Gastroenterology, Chuo Ku, 7-5-2 Kusunoki Cho, Kobe, Hyogo 6500017, Japan.

   Publisher contact information for the Journal of Hepato - Biliary - Pancreatic Surgery is: Springer Tokyo, 3-3-13, Hongo, Bunkyo-Ku, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan.

   Keywords: Japan, Kobe, Acute Pancreatitis, Alternative Medicine, Bloodstream Infection, Gastroenterology, Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Necrosis, Pancreas, Sepsis, Septicemia, Therapy, Treatment, Kobe University.

   This article was prepared by Gastroenterology Week editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2007, Gastroenterology Week via NewsRx.com.

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