Abstract: Objective To explore the application of early enteral nutrition support (EEN) in the treatment of acute pancreatitis (AP). Methods The clinical data of 76 AP patients with EEN from January 2014 to June 2016 in our hospital were retrospectively analyzed. The time of starting EEN, the feeding way, and the tolerance were recorded. The incidence of EEN related inhalation pneumonia, hospitalization time and prognosis were measured. Results In this series, there were 5 cases of mild AP, 24 cases of moderate AP, 47 cases of severe AP. The time of starting EEN within 48h of admission in 25 cases, and 48~72h after admission in 51 cases. EEN feeding through nasojejunal tube in 46 cases (NJ group), and nasogastric tube in 30 cases (NG group). The intolerance of EEN occurred in 10 patients. Inhalation pneumonia occurred in 2 patients. The length of hospital stay was 14~35d with an average of 28.5±7.5d. 71 cases were cured, and 5 cases died. There was no significant difference in tolerance, inhalation pneumonia, length of stay and prognosis between NJ group and NG group (P>0.05). Conclusions EEN is helpful to improve the prognosis of patients with moderate and severe acute pancreatitis. Clinical factors such as the time of the feeding start and the gastrointestinal function should be considered for the EEN feeding through nasojejunal or nasogastric tube.

Key words: Acute pancreatitis, Early enteral nutrition support, Nasogastric/nasojejunal tube