Practice patterns and adherence to nutrition guidelines in acute pancreatitis: An international physician survey

There is agreement among GI society guidelines for recommending early oral nutrition with non-liquid diet in patients with mild acute pancreatitis (AP). There is less agreement regarding administration of tube feedings (TF) in AP. Data on physicians' adherence to nutrition guidelines and practice variations are limited.

To report practice patterns in the nutritional management of different severity profiles of AP.

We conducted an anonymous electronic survey among physician members of the International Association of Pancreatology and the American Pancreatic Association. We assessed nutrition practices based on severity of AP, and asked relevant questions regarding the preferred administration strategies for enteral nutrition. Responses were compared by practice location and subspecialty.

A total of 178 physicians, mostly medical pancreatologists (40.4%) and surgeons (34.8%) from Europe (43.4%) and North America (32%) responded. Overall, only 26.7% initiated oral nutrition in mild AP on day 1, 40.9% waited >48 h, and 57.3% initiated nutrition with liquid diets. Physicians reported frequently using TF in patients with moderately-severe (30-75%, depending on the amount and location of necrosis) and severe AP (75-80%). Two-thirds of physicians preferred initiating TF after 48 h, administering it post-pylorically, and using semi-elemental or polymeric formulas. Median TF duration was 11 days (IQR, 7-21). Significant variations were noted based on geographic location and physician subspecialty for several aspects of nutritional practices in both mild and non-mild AP.

Adherence to oral nutrition guideline recommendations for mild AP is low. There is significant variability in the use of TF in AP. Our study highlights opportunities for improving consistency of nutrition care in AP and identify potential areas for research.