Systematic Review: Nasogastric Feeding Increases Diarrhea and Pain Compared to Nasojejunal Feeding in Acute Pancreatitis – BMC Gastroenterol

Study Design and Population: This systematic review and meta-analysis compared the safety and efficacy of nasogastric (NG) versus nasojejunal (NJ) feeding initiated within 48 hours of hospital admission in patients with moderate to severe acute pancreatitis. The analysis included four randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving a total of 217 patients.

Main Findings: The review found no significant difference in mortality between NG and NJ feeding groups. However, NG feeding was associated with a higher incidence of diarrhea (RR 2.75, P = 0.02) and pain (RR 2.91, P = 0.002). The risk of infection was also higher in the NG group (6.67% vs. 3.33%, P = 0.027). No significant differences were observed in the need for surgical intervention, the requirement for parenteral nutrition, or the success rates of feeding procedures.

Implications for Practice: The findings suggest that while NG feeding does not increase mortality in acute pancreatitis, it is associated with higher rates of certain complications, particularly diarrhea and pain. Clinicians should consider these risks when choosing a feeding strategy for patients with acute pancreatitis, especially within the critical early 48-hour period post-admission.

Reference: Wang M, Shi H, Chen Q, Su B, Dong X, Shi H, Xu S. (2024). Comparative safety assessment of nasogastric versus nasojejunal feeding initiated within 48 hours post-admission versus unrestricted timing in moderate or severe acute pancreatitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Gastroenterology, 24(207), 1-11. DOI: 10.1186/s12876-024-03290-z.