Revisions to the JPN practice guidelines for the management of acute pancreatitis 2021

Abstract

The Japanese (JPN) guidelines for the management of acute pancreatitis were first released in 2003 in Japanese, followed by releases in 2007, 2010 and 2015. Since a nationwide epidemiological survey in 2016 in Japan reported that enteral nutrition for patients with severe acute pancreatitis was not started within 48 hours of admission and that unnecessary prophylactic antibiotics were used in almost all patients, the committee focused these issues and emphasized early enteral nutrition in small amounts even if gastric feedings are used and no administration of prophylactic antibiotics in patients with mild pancreatitis. The importance of Pancreatitis Bundles was emphasized, which were shown to be effective in improving prognosis, and CQ sections for local pancreatic complications had been expanded to ensure adoption of a step-up approach. Furthermore, a unique educational tool of "easy-to-understand explanations" was added so that not only physicians but other medical professionals, students, patients and their families can understand. All members of the committee hope that more people will have a common understanding and that better medical care will be disseminated and improve the survival of patients with acute pancreatitis.