Acute pancreatitis: a review of pathophysiology and nutrition management.

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is an acute inflammatory process of the pancreas that may involve peripancreatic tissue or remote organs. In its more severe forms, it is a significantly catabolic illness for which specialized nutrition support is required. This review summarizes the pathophysiology of AP, the severity grading systems used in its evaluation, and general treatment strategies, and reviews the value of enteral tube feeding and parenteral nutrition in supporting the patient with this common disease.