Cuidado em nutrição para pacientes com pancreatite crônica

Abstract

Chronic pancreatitis (CP) consists of irreversible functional loss and persistent inflammation of the pancreas, which commonly leads to weight loss and protein-energy malnutrition. Nutritional assistance plays an essential role in the treatment of CP, as it helps in the recovery and maintenance of the nutritional status, in addition to optimizing the prognosis and quality of life. In this sense, the present work aims to review the nutritional management of CP. For that, a review of articles in databases was carried out, with search and selection of studies, extraction, synthesis and presentation of data. Finally, the main nutritional approaches in CP care were discussed. Nutritional assessment in CP should include assessment of signs and symptoms, anthropometry, analysis of body composition and biochemical tests. Nutritional therapy is based on dietary advice, adequate provision of macro and micronutrients, adaptation of enzyme replacement therapy to the diet and monitoring of signs of intolerance. In cases of malnutrition associated with low dietary intake, oral supplementation should be considered and, in specific situations, enteral or parenteral feeding is recommended. Regarding antioxidant therapy, routine use is not recommended. The modulation of the intestinal microbiota in CP seems to be associated with the improvement of nutritional and anthropometric parameters. Nutritional therapy is one of the pillars of CP treatment. Through it, it is possible to optimize clinical treatment, reduce the risk of malnutrition, improve quality of life and provide favorable prognosis.