In patients with severe acute pancreatitis, EN has several benefits over PN. Which of the following is NOT a listed benefit?

• A. Decreased infection rate
• B. Decreased mortality
• C. Decreased pain
• D. Decreased hospital LOS

Answer: (C)

Enteral nutrition in severe acute pancreatitis helps maintain gut mucosal integrity, reduces bacterial translocation, and modulates the immune response. This preservation of the gut barrier lowers infectious complications when compared with parenteral nutrition, because there are fewer opportunities for bacteria to cross the gut wall and fewer catheter-related infections. The resulting decrease in infectious complications and better overall physiologic stability can also contribute to a lower risk of death. Additionally, fewer complications typically translate into a shorter hospital stay. Pain control in pancreatitis depends more on disease severity and analgesia than on the route of nutrition, so decreased pain isn’t considered a demonstrated or listed benefit of EN over PN.