Is supplementation with elemental diet feasible in patients undergoing pelvic radiotherapy

摘要: Summary Background Acute gastrointestinal upset occurs in approximately 80% of patients undergoing radiotherapy for pelvic cancers. Underlying changes relate to denudation the mucosal layer which renders small intestine vulnerable additional damage from proteolytic enzymes and bile acids. Severe acute bowel symptoms may predispose progressive fibrotic ischaemic changes. Elemental diet given during treatment reduce chronic induced by radiotherapy. Methods This study aimed assess compliance with elemental Patients gynaecological, urological or rectal malignancy radical adjuvant were randomised one five groups. Each group was assigned a target quantity three different sip feeds (Group 1, 20%, Group 2, 50%, 3, 75% calorie requirements taken as E028 extra liquid; 4, 50% powder; 5, Emsogen powder). Compliance assessed using diary card weekly assessment. Statistical analyses conducted on an intention treat basis. Results Fifty (44 female, six male) mean age 58 yr (95% CI 55–61), recruited (24 endometrial, 17 cervical, 7 rectal, 1 vulval bladder carcinoma). Mean weight at baseline 74.5 kg 69–80) this did not change treatment. Full achieved patients, all 1. By week only 46% consuming diet. Post hoc analysis variance repeated measures indicated that there no significant differences volume consumed between groups ( P = 0.937 ). There inverse linear relationship intake time 0.001 Conclusions Different formulations do influence compliance. are unlikely be able consume more than one-third their form feed. Further investigation is warranted determine if intervention beneficial.