The incidence of acute pancreatitis in UK has risen sharply over the past 40 years. Recent reports suggest that 56.5 per 100 000 of the population will suffer from AP annually; this figure is more than double the highest previous estimated incidence. In the majority of patients the condition is mild, but about 25% of patients suffer a severe attack and between 30 and 50% of these patients dies. The usual cause of death is multiple organ failure secondary to systemic leukocyte activation (mainly neutrophils), accompanied by the systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS).

Studies with omega-3 fish oil have shown to control inflammatory process and improve the outcome especially in hyperinflammatory conditions.

This research will look at the effects of supplementing omega-3 fish oil to patients with severe acute pancreatitis (severe inflammation of the pancreas).

Patients with severe acute pancreatitis will be prospectively and blindly randomised into either a study group who will receive (Lipidem, lipid emulsion contains essential fatty acids and omega-3 fish oil) or a control group that will receive (Lipofundin, lipid emulsion contains only essential fatty acids and no omega-3 fish oil). Normal and standard clinical care will be provided to all patients as per the national management guidelines. Each patient will receive either Lipidem or Lipofundin emulsions daily until they are deemed fit for discharge by their own medical team or for a maximum of SEVEN days.

The main aim of this study is to examine whether lipid emulsions enriched with omega-3 fish oil could improve the clinical outcome in patients with severe acute pancreatitis.

This research project is designed to give lipid emulsion enriched with omega-3 fish oil to conscious adult patients with mental capacity to consent for themselves and with severe acute pancreatitis in Leicester General Hospital wards or units.

Potential participants with SAP will be identified by the patient's own team and referred to the researchers for consideration and eventual enrolling in the study. Unconscious patients or unable to consent for themselves will be EXCLUDED from the study.

Randomization:

Patients will be randomised to receive Lipidem 200 mg/ml OR Lipofundin MCT/LCT 20% lipid emulsion from random number tables. Randomization, blinding procedure (over labeling) will be conducted by an independent licensed pharmaceutical unit.

Inclusion Criteria:

Conscious patients between age of 18-90 admitted to the Leicester General hospital with severe acute pancreatitis proven by:

1. compatible clinical features (abdominal pain with or without vomiting);
2. associated with elevated serum amylase levels (≥3 normal value) (≥300 iu/l);
3. one or more of the severity criteria as outlined in the Atlanta severity criteria or modified glasgow acute pancreatitis severity score ≥3

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients unconscious or unable to consent.
• Patients under 18 years old or above 90 years old
• Hypersensitivity to fish, egg or soy protein or other active substances of the TPN.
• Uncontrolled hyperlipidaemia
• Severe primary blood coagulation disorder
• Acute pancreatitis accompanied with hyperlipidaemia
• Ketoacidosis
• Acute thromboembolic disease
• Severe liver failure
• Acute phase of myocardial infarction or stroke
• Pregnancy and lactation
• Severe renal failure without access to haemofiltration or dialysis