The protective effect of early enteral nutrition on intestine mucosal function in acute pancreatitis

Objective To investigate the protective effect of early enteral nutrition (EN) on the function of intestinal barrier in acute pancreatitis (AP) patients. Methods From April 2014 to April 2016, a total of 81 AP patients admitted to our hospital were randomly divided into EN group (41 cases) and total parenteral nutrition (TPN) group (40 cases) by the method of opening envelop.The levels of serum albumin, inflammation cytokines and index of intestinal barrier function were compared between the two groups. Results No significant differences were found in the demographic characteristics between EN and TPN group at the 1st, 3rd, 7th day (all P>0.05). Compared with TPN group, EN group showed significantly higher level of serum albumin since the 7th day (t=4.623, 4.517, all P<0.05) and significantly lower level of serum CRP since the 7th day (t=2.211, 3.010, all P<0.05) and significantly lower level of serum TNF-α since the 3rd day(t=2.095, 3.364, 3.249, all P<0.05). In the aspect of intestinal barrier, compared with TPN group, the patients in EN group showed significantly lower level of serum D-lactic since the 7th day(t=3.940, 2.626, all P<0.05) and significantly lower level of serum DAO also since the 7th day(t=3.090, 2.880, all P<0.05). Conclusion EN can effectively maintain the level of serum albumin, decrease the level of serum inflammation cytokines and protect the function of intestinal mucosa barrier. Key words: Pancreatitis; Enteral nutrition; Parenteral nutrition, total