Ongoing research

SANADA study

This is a prospective multicenter observational study of acute pancreatitis (SANADA study: multicenter prospective cohort in patients with severe and mild acute pancreatitis).

The aim of this study is to elucidate the short- and long-term prognosis and etiology of acute pancreatitis in Japan. In collaboration with numerous participating institutions, we are developing a database that comprehensively covers all essential data relevant to the future management of acute pancreatitis.

This study is being conducted with the support of the Japanese Pancreatic Society, the Japanese Society of Intensive Care Medicine, and the Japanese Society for Intensive Care Education and Research.

Currently, 44 institutions nationwide are participating in this study.

RAPID study

This study investigates the efficacy of promptly initiating a low-fat solid diet for mild pancreatitis: a multicenter randomized controlled trial (RAPID study: benefit of immediate oral intake of low-fat solid diet in mild acute pancreatitis: multicenter randomized controlled trial).

The efficacy of early enteral nutrition in severe acute pancreatitis is already established in guidelines, but whether this is also effective in mild pancreatitis remains unclear. This study, supported by the Japanese Pancreatic Society, aims to verify whether initiating a low-fat solid diet promptly in patients with mild pancreatitis can suppress the progression of the condition.

This study could potentially revolutionize the treatment approach for mild pancreatitis, which has traditionally relied on fasting as standard therapy.

Currently, 31 facilities nationwide are participating in this study.

MUSCLE study

This study investigates the efficacy of early and adequate protein administration for severe acute pancreatitis: a multicenter randomized controlled trial (Muscle study: MUlticenterS of randomized ControL study Early and adequate protein administration for severe acute pancreatitis).

It has been reported that early enteral nutrition reduces mortality in severe acute pancreatitis; however, the appropriate protein dosage and timing remain unclear. While higher protein administration is recommended for all patients admitted to the intensive care unit, there is limited research supporting this approach. Additionally, some reports suggest that administering high protein doses immediately after admission may worsen outcomes.

This study serves as a pilot study to verify whether early (after four days of hospitalization) administration of adequate protein in patients with severe acute pancreatitis may be beneficial for improving pancreatitis.

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Past studies

SAP-CRAI

Continuous regional arterial infusion (CRAI) is one of the therapeutic interventions used in Japan for severe acute pancreatitis. However, while there are many studies reporting the efficacy of CRAI, particularly in Japan, there are still few high-quality studies supporting its efficacy, leaving its position controversial.
Therefore, in this study, we will evaluate the efficacy of CRAI as a multicenter retrospective observational study.