Early jejunal nutrition and changes in the immunological parameters of patients with acute pancreatitis

Background/Aims: We have compared the effects of glutamine-rich Stresson Mu lti Fibre and of Nutrison Fibre nutrients on the changes of some immunologi cal parameters of 16 patients with acute pancreatitis. Laboratory parameter s included: total protein, albumin, prealbumin, retinol binding protein, Ig G, IgA, IgM, IgE, complement components: C3, C4, acute phase proteins: C-re active protein, transferrin, CD-markers of peripheral lymphocytes and activ ity of peripheral phagocytes. Methodology: Nine patients were supplied with Stresson Multi Fibre and 7 pa tients with Nutrison Fibre, using a nasojejunal tube. The levels of serum p roteins were measured with laser nephelometry, the CD markers of lymphocyte s with flow cytometry and the phagocytic activity with chemiluminescence. Results: The treatment with glutamine-rich Stersson resulted in significant elevations in the serum levels of IgG, retinol binding protein, compared t o the effects of Nutrison Fibre. In addition, the recovery of treated patie nts was significantly shorter in the Stresson Multi Fibre group than in the Nutrison Fibre group. Conclusions: The Stresson Multi Fibre nutrient treatment of patients treate d for acute pancreatitis seems to have clinical benefit based upon the fast recovery of IgG, IgM proteins which take part in the immunological defense mechanisms.