Beneficial Effect of Low-Fat Elemental Diet Therapy on Pain in Chronic Pancreatitis

Abstract EN

Background & Aims.

Chronic pancreatitis (CP) is often associated with abdominal pain, which impairs quality of life.

The aim of this prospective study was to clarify whether the use of a low-fat elemental diet (ED) is beneficial for managing pain in patients with CP.

Methods.

Seventeen CP patients with pain despite fat-restricted dietary and conventional medical treatments were enrolled in this prospective study.

These patients received low-fat ED therapy in addition to restricting fat intake for 8 weeks.

The change of pain severity was examined by interviewing the patient and status of analgesic use.

Results.

Mean serum levels of amylase and lipase at 8 weeks after the beginning of low-fat ED therapy decreased compared to those before the therapy.

At 8 weeks, pain alleviation after low-fat ED therapy was reported in 15 out of 17 patients (88%).

Of these 15 patients, 10 patients reported complete pain disappearance.

One of 3 patients with severe or moderate pain requiring analgesic was relieved of analgesic use after low-fat ED therapy.

Conclusion.

Low-fat ED therapy is useful as means of pain control in CP.

The therapy is recommended in outpatients with CP who present with pain despite conventional dietary and medical treatments.