Temporary Trend, Characteristics and Clinical Outcomes of Acute Pancreatitis Patients Infected with Human Immunodeficiency Virus.

BACKGROUND: Compared to general population, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection may increase frequency of acute pancreatitis (AP); however, evidence regarding effects of HIV infection on AP-related outcomes is limited and controversial. AIMS: We aim to investigate the temporary trend, characteristics and clinical outcomes of AP infected with HIV. METHODS: We reviewed data from the 2003-2014 National Inpatient Sample to identify patients with a primary diagnosis of AP. The primary outcomes (in-hospital mortality, acute respiratory failure, acute kidney injury, and prolonged length of stay [LOS]) and secondary outcomes (gastrointestinal hemorrhage, sepsis and total cost) were compared between patients with and without HIV infection using univariate, multivariable and propensity score matching analyses. RESULTS: Of 594,106 patients diagnosed with AP, 6775 (1.14%) had HIV infection. Patients with HIV were more likely to be younger, black, male, less likely to be gallstone-related and had lower rate of interventions. Multivariable analyses based on multiple imputation revealed that HIV infection was associated with higher risk of mortality (odds ratio [OR]: 1.74; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.34-2.25), acute kidney injury (OR: 1.13; 95% CI 1.19-1.44), prolonged LOS (OR: 1.26; 95% CI 1.15-1.37) and 6% higher cost. There were no differences in sepsis, gastrointestinal bleeding, and respiratory failure between groups. CONCLUSIONS: HIV infection is associated with adverse outcomes including increased mortality, acute kidney injury and more healthcare utilization in AP patients. More assertive management strategies like early intravenous fluid resuscitation in HIV patients hospitalized with AP to prevent acute kidney injury may be helpful to improve clinical outcomes.

Normalization of Serum Lipase Levels Versus Resolution of Abdominal Pain: A Comparison of Preoperative Management in Children With Biliary Pancreatitis.

BACKGROUND: Controversy exists over the timing of cholecystectomy for biliary pancreatitis in children. Some surgeons await normalization of serum lipase levels while others are guided by resolution of abdominal pain; however, there are minimal data to support either practice. We hypothesized that resolution of abdominal pain is equivalent in outcome to awaiting normalization of lipase levels in patients undergoing cholecystectomy for biliary pancreatitis. METHODS: After institutional review board (IRB) approval, the medical record was retrospectively queried for all cases of cholecystectomy for biliary pancreatitis at our institution from 2007 to 2017. Patients undergoing chemotherapy, admitted for another cause, or who had severe underlying comorbidities like ventilator dependence were excluded. Patients were stratified into two cohorts: those managed preoperatively by normalization of serum lipase levels versus resolution of abdominal pain. Demographics, serum lipase levels, postoperative complications, cost of stay, readmissions, and return to the emergency department were collected and analyzed using multivariate regression. RESULTS: Seventy-four patients met inclusion: 29 patients had lipase levels trended until normalization compared with 45 patients who had resolution of abdominal pain prior to cholecystectomy. Among the two cohorts there was no statistical difference in age, gender, race, ethnicity, or type of preoperative imaging used. Trended patients were found to have more serum lipase levels tested (8.5 ± 6.2 versus 3.4 ± 2.5, P < 0.0001). The trended lipase cohort was significantly more likely to require preoperative total parenteral nutrition (48% versus 11%, P = 0.007) and consequently a longer time before resuming a diet (10 ± 7.3 versus 4.6 ± 2.4 d, P < 0.0001). When comparing the two groups, we found no significant difference in the duration of surgery, postoperative complications, or readmissions. Lipase trended patients had a significantly longer length of stay compared with nontrended patients (11.5 ± 8.1 versus 4.2 ± 2.3 d, P < 0.0001) and had a higher total cost of stay ($38,094 ± 25,910 versus $20,205 ± 5918, P = 0.0007). CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that in children with biliary pancreatitis, proceeding with cholecystectomy after resolution of abdominal pain is equivalent in outcomes to trending serum lipase levels but is more cost-effective with a decreased length of stay and decreased need for preoperative total parenteral nutrition.

Nationwide Trends in Acute and Chronic Pancreatitis Among Privately Insured Children and Non-Elderly Adults in the United States, 2007-2014.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Epidemiologic analyses of acute pancreatitis (AP) and chronic pancreatitis (CP) provide insight into causes and strategies for prevention and affect allocation of resources to its study and treatment. We sought to determine current and accurate incidences of AP and CP, along with the prevalence of CP, in children and adults in the United States. METHODS: We collected data from the Truven MarketScan Research Databases of commercial inpatient and outpatient insurance claims in the United States from 2007 through 2014 (patients 0-64 years old). We calculated the incidences of AP and CP and prevalence of CP based on International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision diagnosis codes. Children were defined as 18 years or younger and adults as 19 to 64 years old. RESULTS: The incidence of pediatric AP was stable from 2007 through 2014, remaining at 12.3/100,000 persons in 2014. Meanwhile, the incidence for adult AP decreased from 123.7/100,000 persons in 2007 to 111.2/100,000 persons in 2014. The incidence of CP decreased over time in children (2.2/100,000 persons in 2007 to 1.9/100,000 persons in 2014) and adults (31.7/100,000 persons in 2007 to 24.7/100,000 persons in 2014). The prevalences of pediatric and adult CP were 5.8/100,000 persons and 91.9/100,000 persons, respectively, in 2014. Incidences of AP and CP increased with age. We found little change in incidence during the first decade of life but linear increases starting in the second decade. CONCLUSIONS: We performed a comprehensive epidemiologic analysis of privately insured, non-elderly adults and children with AP and CP in the United States. Changes in gallstone formation, smoking, and alcohol consumption, along with advances in pancreatitis management, may be responsible for the stabilization and even decrease in the incidences of AP and CP.

Incidence, Admission Rates, and Predictors, and Economic Burden of Adult Emergency Visits for Acute Pancreatitis: Data From the National Emergency Department Sample, 2006 to 2012.

INTRODUCTION: Acute pancreatitis (AP) is the most common gastroenterology-related reason for hospital admission, and a major source of morbidity and mortality in the United States. This study examines the National Emergency Database Sample, a large national database, to analyze trends in emergency department (ED) utilization and costs, risk factors for hospital admission, and associated hospital costs and length of stay (LOS) in patients presenting with AP. METHODS: The National Emergency Database Sample (2006 to 2012) was evaluated for trends in ED visits, ED charges, hospitalization rates, hospital charges, and hospital LOS in patients with primary diagnosis of AP (further subcategorized by age and etiology). A survey logistic-regression model was used to determine factors predictive of hospitalization. RESULTS: A total of 2,193,830 ED visits were analyzed. There was a nonsignificant 5.5% (P=0.07) increase in incidence of ED visits for AP per 10,000 US adults from 2006 to 2012, largely driven by significant increases in ED visits for AP in the 18 to <45 age group (+9.2%; P=0.025), AP associated with alcohol (+15.9%; P=0.001), and AP associated with chronic pancreatitis (+59.5%; P=0.002). Visits for patients aged ≥65 decreased over the time period. Rates of admission and LOS decreased during the time period, while ED and inpatient costs increased (62.1%; P<0.001 and 7.9%; P=0.0011, respectively). Multiple factors were associated with increased risk of hospital admission from the ED, with the strongest predictors being morbid alcohol use [odds ratio (OR), 4.53; P<0.0001], advanced age (age>84 OR, 3.52; P<0.0001), and smoking (OR, 1.75; P<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Despite a relative stabilization in the overall incidence of ED visits for AP, continued increases in ED visits and associated costs appear to be driven by younger patients with alcohol-associated and acute on chronic pancreatitis. While rates of hospitalization and LOS are decreasing, associated inflation-adjusted costs are rising. In addition, identified risk factors for hospitalization, such as obesity, alcohol use, and increased age, should be explored in further study for potential use in predictive models and clinical improvement projects.

Epidemiology of Pediatric Acute Pancreatitis in Taiwan: A Nationwide Population-based Study.

OBJECTIVE: Pediatric acute pancreatitis (AP) may be different from adult AP in various respects. This study focuses on the epidemiology and medical resource use of pediatric AP in Taiwan. METHODS: Patients aged 0 to 18 years with AP were identified from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database based on the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision code of AP 577.0. The medical resource use was measured by length of hospital stay and hospital charges. RESULTS: Between 2000 and 2013, a total of 2127 inpatient cases of pediatric AP were collected, which represented a hospitalization rate of 2.83 per 100,000 population. The incidence by age had 2 peaks, the first peak was at age 4 to 5 years old, and the second one started rising from 12 to 13 years old until adulthood. The incidence by year increased from 2.33 to 3.07 cases per 100,000 population during the study period. The average hospital stay is steady, but the medical cost is increasing. Girls have longer hospital stays, higher medical expenditures, more use of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography possibly due to more comorbidities with biliary tract diseases than boys (P < 0.05). The mortality in cases of AP is mostly associated with systemic diseases rather than AP itself. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of pediatric AP in Taiwan is in a rising trend. There are gender differences in length of hospital stay, medical costs, use of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography and comorbidities.

Acute Pancreatitis Admission Trends: A National Estimate through the Kids' Inpatient Database.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate national health care use and costs for pediatric acute pancreatitis. STUDY DESIGN: The Kids' Inpatient Database for 2006, 2009, and 2012 was queried for patients with a principal diagnosis of acute pancreatitis. Cases were grouped by age: preschool (<5 years of age), school age (5-14 years of age), and adolescents (>14 years of age). RESULTS: A total of 27 983 discharges for acute pancreatitis were found. The number of admissions increased with age: young n = 1279, middle n = 8012, and older n = 18 692. Duration of stay was highest in preschool children (median, 3.47 days; IQR, 2.01-7.35), compared with school age (median, 3.22 days; IQR, 1.81-5.63) and adolescents (median, 2.87 days; IQR, 1.61-4.81; P < .001). The median cost of hospitalization varied with age: $6726 for preschoolers, $5400 for school-aged children, and $5889 for adolescents (P < .001). Acute pancreatitis-associated diagnoses varied by age. The presence of gallstone pancreatitis, alcohol, and hypertriglyceridemia was more common among older children compared with younger children (P < .001). There was an increasing trend in acute pancreatitis, chronic pancreatitis, and obesity for the 2 older age groups (P < .001). CONCLUSION: Admission of children for acute pancreatitis constitutes a significant healthcare burden, with a rising number of admissions with age. However, the cost and duration of stay per admission are highest in young children.

A multicenter study of total pancreatectomy with islet autotransplantation (TPIAT): POST (Prospective Observational Study of TPIAT).

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Total pancreatectomy with islet autotransplantation (TPIAT) is considered for managing chronic pancreatitis in selected patients when medical and endoscopic interventions have not provided adequate relief from debilitating pain. Although more centers are performing TPIAT, we lack large, multi-center studies to guide decisions about selecting candidates for and timing of TPIAT. METHODS: Multiple centers across the United States (9 to date) performing TPIAT are prospectively enrolling patients undergoing TPIAT for chronic pancreatitis into the Prospective Observational Study of TPIAT (POST), a NIDDK funded study with a goal of accruing 450 TPIAT recipients. Baseline data include participant phenotype, pancreatitis history, and medical/psychological comorbidities from medical records, participant interview, and participant self-report (Medical Outcomes Survey Short Form-12, EQ-5D, andPROMIS inventories for pain interference, depression, and anxiety). Outcome measures are collected to at least 1 year after TPIAT, including the same participant questionnaires, visual analog pain scale, pain interference scores, opioid requirements, insulin requirements, islet graft function, and hemoglobin A1c. Health resource utilization data are collected for a cost-effectiveness analysis. Biorepository specimens including urine, serum/plasma, genetic material (saliva and blood), and pancreas tissue are collected for future study. CONCLUSIONS: This ongoing multicenter research study will enroll and follow TPIAT recipients, aiming to evaluate patient selection and timing for TPIAT to optimize pain relief, quality of life, and diabetes outcomes, and to measure the procedure's cost-effectiveness. A biorepository is also established for future ancillary studies.

Acute biliary pancreatitis: focus on recurrence rate and costs when current guidelines are not complied.

BACKGROUND: International guidelines recommend cholecystectomy within 2-4 weeks after mild to moderate acute biliary pancreatitis (ABP) to prevent recurrence. We aimed to investigate the compliance to guidelines concerning early cholecystectomy and the associated costs. METHODS: Admissions for ABP 2011-2013 were retrospectively reviewed. Classification was made according to the revised Atlanta classification. Treatment, time to surgery and recurrence, as well as cost analysis for both in-hospital costs and loss of production (LOP) were performed. RESULTS: In total, 254 patients were included. Some 202 of the ABP patients (80%) underwent definitive treatment during their first attack of ABP (68% cholecystectomy, 17% endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), 15% both interventions) and 186 (73%) were treated within 1 month of discharge. Patients with ERCP alone were significantly older than cholecystectomy cases (p < .001), but no significant difference was observed between those who underwent ERCP or no treatment (p = .071). Mild ABP had intervention earlier (p < .001). In all, 52 patients (20%) had no intervention, out of which 15 were readmitted due to pancreatitis, compared to 3 patients of those treated at the initial admission (p < .001). The mean cost for hospital care and LOP in mild ABP was €6882 ± 3010 and €9580 ± 7047 for moderate ABP (p = .001). The cost for a recurrent episode was €16,412 ± 22,367. CONCLUSION: By improved compliance to current guidelines concerning the management of ABP, recurrence rate and associated costs can potentially be reduced.

Post-ERCP pancreatitis: early precut or pancreatic duct stent? A multicenter, randomized-controlled trial and cost-effectiveness analysis.

BACKGROUND: Pancreatitis is the most frequent complication due to ERCP. Pancreatic duct stent placement has been described as a preventive measure. There is also evidence pointing towards the preventive effect that early precut may provide. AIM: To determine and compare the cost-effectiveness of an early precut approach versus pancreatic duct stent placement for the prevention of post-ERCP pancreatitis. METHODS: This was a multicenter, randomized-controlled pilot study with a cost-effectiveness analysis performed between early precut (group A) and pancreatic duct stent (group B) for the prevention of pancreatitis in high-risk patients. Patients with a difficult biliary cannulation and at least one other risk factor for post-ERCP pancreatitis were enrolled and randomized to one of the treatment arms. Both effectiveness and costs of the procedures and their complications were analyzed and compared. RESULTS: From November 2011 to November 2013, 101 patients were enrolled; 50 subjects were assigned to group A and 51 to group B. There were no significant differences in terms of baseline characteristics of patients between groups. Two cases of mild pancreatitis were observed in each group. The overall costs were U$ 1,242.6 per patient in group A and U$ 1,606.5 per patient in group B. The cost in group B was 29.3% higher (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Early precut showed a better cost-effectiveness profile when compared to pancreatic duct stent placement.

Cost-effectiveness of same-admission versus interval cholecystectomy after mild gallstone pancreatitis in the PONCHO trial.

BACKGROUND: Same-admission cholecystectomy is indicated after gallstone pancreatitis to reduce the risk of recurrent disease or other gallstone-related complications, but its impact on overall costs is unclear. This study analysed the cost-effectiveness of same-admission versus interval cholecystectomy after mild gallstone pancreatitis. METHODS: In a multicentre RCT (Pancreatitis of biliary Origin: optimal timiNg of CHOlecystectomy; PONCHO) patients with mild gallstone pancreatitis were randomized before discharge to either cholecystectomy within 72 h (same-admission cholecystectomy) or cholecystectomy after 25-30 days (interval cholecystectomy). Healthcare use of all patients was recorded prospectively using clinical report forms. Unit costs of resources used were determined, and patients completed multiple Health and Labour Questionnaires to record pancreatitis-related absence from work. Cost-effectiveness analyses were performed from societal and healthcare perspectives, with the costs per readmission prevented as primary outcome with a time horizon of 6 months. RESULTS: All 264 trial participants were included in the present analysis, 128 randomized to same-admission cholecystectomy and 136 to interval cholecystectomy. Same-admission cholecystectomy reduced the risk of acute readmission for recurrent gallstone-related complications from 16·9 to 4·7 per cent (P = 0·002). Mean total costs from a societal perspective were €234 (95 per cent c.i. -1249 to 738) less per patient in the same-admission cholecystectomy group. Same-admission cholecystectomy was superior to interval cholecystectomy, with a societal incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of -€1918 to prevent one readmission for gallstone-related complications. CONCLUSION: In mild biliary pancreatitis, same-admission cholecystectomy was more effective and less costly than interval cholecystectomy.

Direct Costs of Acute Recurrent and Chronic Pancreatitis in Children in the INSPPIRE Registry.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate selected direct medical care costs of children with chronic pancreatitis (CP) and acute recurrent pancreatitis (ARP). METHODS: We performed a cross-sectional study of data from International Study Group of Pediatric Pancreatitis: In Search for a Cure (INSPPIRE), a multinational registry of children with ARP or CP. We determined health care utilization and estimated costs of hospitalizations, surgical and endoscopic procedures, and medications in our study population. Health care utilization data were obtained from all subjects enrolled in the study, and costs were calculated using national United States costs. RESULTS: We included 224 subjects (median age 12.7 years), 42% of whom had CP. Mean number of hospitalizations, including for surgery and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, was 2.3 per person per year, costing an estimated average $38,755 per person per year. Including outpatient medications, estimated total mean cost was $40,589 per person per year. Subjects using surgical procedures or endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography incurred mean annual costs of $42,951 per person and $12,035 per person, respectively. Estimated annual costs of pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy, diabetic medications, and pain medications were $4114, $1761, and $614 per person, respectively. In an exploratory analysis, patients with the following characteristics appear to accrue higher costs than those without them: more frequent ARP attacks per year, reported constant or episodic pain, family history of pancreatic cancer, and use of pain medication. CONCLUSIONS: ARP and CP are uncommon childhood conditions. The severe burden of disease associated with these conditions and their chronicity results in high health care utilization and costs. Interventions that reduce the need for hospitalization could lower costs for these children and their families.

Readmissions due to acute biliary edematous pancreatitis in patients without cholecystectomy.

AIMS: Analyzing the readmission of patients with acute biliary edematous pancreatitis (ABEP) without cholecystectomy despite a previous episode of mild acute gallstone pancreatitis or lithiasic cholecystitis. Calculating the health costs associated with the non-performance of cholecystectomy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Prospective observational study conducted at a tertiary hospital from July to November 2014. The study has consecutively included inpatients suffering from ABEP who: a) had suffered a previous episode of mild acute gallstone pancreatitis or cholecystitis at least 2 weeks before readmission; and b) had not undergone cholecystectomy despite the lack of contraindications. RESULTS: During the research period, 9 patients (7 females and 2 males) with a mean age of 65.3 years (standard deviation [SD] 19.2) were readmitted. The median number of days between the previous episode of ABEP or cholecystitis and the readmission was 114 days (interquartile range [IQR] 111.0). Reported median overall length of hospital stay was 10 days (IQR = 2.0). Patients underwent a mean of 2.8 (SD = 1.2) ultrasound scans, 1.3 (SD = 0.9) abdominal and pelvic CT, 0.8 (SD = 1.0) MRCP and 0.2 (SD = 0.4) ERCP. The mean cost per patient for each readmission, including hospital stay (143.0 €/day), Emergency Service (332.31 €) and tests performed was 2,381.70 €/patient. CONCLUSIONS: Not performing a cholecystectomy within two weeks after a first episode of mild ABEP or cholecystitis contributes to patient readmission due to recurrent pancreatitis, resulting in avoidable treatment costs.

Morbid Obesity Is Associated With Adverse Clinical Outcomes in Acute Pancreatitis: A Propensity-Matched Study.

OBJECTIVES: Morbid obesity may adversely affect the clinical course of acute pancreatitis (AP); however, there are no inpatient, population-based studies assessing the impact of morbid obesity on AP-related outcomes. We sought to evaluate the impact of morbid obesity on AP-related clinical outcomes and health-care utilization. METHODS: The Nationwide Inpatient Sample (2007-2011) was reviewed to identify all adult inpatients (≥18 years) with a principal diagnosis of AP. The primary clinical outcomes (mortality, renal failure, and respiratory failure) and secondary resource outcomes (length of stay and hospital charges) were analyzed using univariate and multivariate comparisons. Propensity score-matched analysis was performed to compare the outcomes in patients with and without morbid obesity. RESULTS: Morbid obesity was associated with 3.9% (52,297/1,330,302) of all AP admissions. Whereas the mortality rate decreased overall (0.97%→0.83%, P<0.001), it remained unchanged in those with morbid obesity (1.02%→1.07%, P=1.0). Multivariate analysis revealed that morbid obesity was associated with increased mortality (odds ratio (OR) 1.6; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.3, 1.9), prolonged hospitalization (0.4 days; P<0.001), and higher hospitalization charges ($5,067; P<0.001). A propensity score-matched cohort analysis demonstrated that the primary outcomes, acute kidney failure (10.8 vs. 8.2%; P<0.001), respiratory failure (7.9 vs. 6.4%; P<0.001), and mortality (OR 1.6, 95% CI 1.2, 2.1) were more frequent in morbid obesity. CONCLUSIONS: Morbid obesity negatively influences inpatient hospitalization and is associated with adverse clinical outcomes, including mortality, organ failure, and health-care resource utilization. These observations and the increasing global prevalence of obesity justify ongoing efforts to understand the role of obesity-induced inflammation in the pathogenesis and management of AP.

Individualized perfusion of sargent gloryvine decoction for clinical severe acute pancreatitis treatment.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: To observe the effects of Sargent gloryvine decoction (SGD) on severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) treatment and to evaluate its clinical value. METHODOLOGY: 112 patients of SAP in our hospital from January, 2005 to December, 2012 were recruited for retrospective analysis. They were divided into two groups, SGD group (62 patients) and control group without treated with SGD (50 patients). Inflammation factor, CT grade and Ranson grade were used to estimate the severity of SAP, and were compared in these two groups. In addition, peripancreatic infection, incidence of pseudo pancreatic cyst, time of anal exsufflation and duration of fever were used to evaluate the effect of SGD treatment. After perfusion of SGD for different time, hospitalization days and cost were recorded to evaluate clinical value of SGD. RESULTS: After perfusion, many indexes in SGD were remarkably superior to those of control group, such as duration of fever, incidence of pseudo pancreatic cyst, peripancreatic infection and Ranson grade. Meanwhile, SGD can sharply down-regulate inflammation reaction levels of SAP patients, so that the hospitalization days and costs can be obviously saved. CONCLUSION: According to comparison, perfusion of SGD is a potential candidate for SAP treatment and is valuable in clinical application.

Does rectal indomethacin eliminate the need for prophylactic pancreatic stent placement in patients undergoing high-risk ERCP? Post hoc efficacy and cost-benefit analyses using prospective clinical trial data.

OBJECTIVES: A recent large-scale randomized controlled trial (RCT) demonstrated that rectal indomethacin administration is effective in addition to pancreatic stent placement (PSP) for preventing post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) pancreatitis (PEP) in high-risk cases. We performed a post hoc analysis of this RCT to explore whether rectal indomethacin can replace PSP in the prevention of PEP and to estimate the potential cost savings of such an approach. METHODS: We retrospectively classified RCT subjects into four prevention groups: (1) no prophylaxis, (2) PSP alone, (3) rectal indomethacin alone, and (4) the combination of PSP and indomethacin. Multivariable logistic regression was used to adjust for imbalances in the prevalence of risk factors for PEP between the groups. Based on these adjusted PEP rates, we conducted an economic analysis comparing the costs associated with PEP prevention strategies employing rectal indomethacin alone, PSP alone, or the combination of both. RESULTS: After adjusting for risk using two different logistic regression models, rectal indomethacin alone appeared to be more effective for preventing PEP than no prophylaxis, PSP alone, and the combination of indomethacin and PSP. Economic analysis revealed that indomethacin alone was a cost-saving strategy in 96% of Monte Carlo trials. A prevention strategy employing rectal indomethacin alone could save approximately $150 million annually in the United States compared with a strategy of PSP alone, and $85 million compared with a strategy of indomethacin and PSP. CONCLUSIONS: This hypothesis-generating study suggests that prophylactic rectal indomethacin could replace PSP in patients undergoing high-risk ERCP, potentially improving clinical outcomes and reducing healthcare costs. A RCT comparing rectal indomethacin alone vs. indomethacin plus PSP is needed.

Acute pancreatitis--costs for healthcare and loss of production.

OBJECTIVE. Severity of acute pancreatitis (AP) can vary from a mild to a fulminant disease with high morbidity and mortality. Cost analysis has, however, hitherto been sparse. The aim of this study was to calculate the cost of acute pancreatitis, both including hospital costs and costs due to loss of production. MATERIAL AND METHODS. All adult patients treated at Skane University Hospital, Lund, during 2009-2010, were included. A severity grading was conducted and cost analysis was performed on an individual basis. RESULTS. Two hundred and fifty-two patients with altogether 307 admissions were identified. Mean age was 60 ± 19 years, and 121 patients (48%) were men. Severe AP (SAP) was diagnosed in 38 patients (12%). Thirteen patients (5%) died. Acute biliary pancreatitis was more costly than alcohol induced AP (p < 0.001). Total costs for treating mild AP (MAP) in patients ≤65 years old was lower (p = 0.001) and costs for SAP was higher (p = 0.024), as compared to older patients. The overall hospital cost and cost for loss of production was per person in mean €5,100 ± 2,400 for MAP and €28,200 ± 38,100 for SAP (p < 0.001). The costs for treating AP during the two-year-long study period were in mean €9,762 ± 19,778 per patient. Extrapolated to a national perspective, the annual financial burden for AP in Sweden would be €38,500,000; corresponding to €4,100,000 per million inhabitants. CONCLUSIONS. The costs of treating AP are high, especially in severe cases with a long ICU stay. These results highlight the need to optimize care and continue the identification and focus on SAP, in order to try to limit organ failure and infectious complications.

Enhanced recovery in the management of mild gallstone pancreatitis: a prospective cohort study.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to establish enhanced recovery protocols for the management of mild gallstone pancreatitis. METHODS: Sixty consecutive patients were divided into enhanced recovery and traditional recovery (TR) groups in a randomized observational study. The basic enhanced recovery elements included early laparoscopic cholecystectomy, restrictive endoscopic intervention, and early oral nutrition. The incidence of complications, readmission, length of stay, and total medical cost were analyzed during the hospital course. RESULTS: The length of hospital stay and medical cost were significantly lower in the enhanced recovery group in comparison to the TR group: 5.9 days vs. 10.6 days (P < 0.01) and ¥10,023 vs. ¥15,035 (P < 0.01). The complications and readmission rates in the two groups were similar. CONCLUSIONS: The implementation of enhanced recovery protocols is feasible in the management of mild gallstone pancreatitis. The utilization of these protocols can achieve shorter hospital stays and reduced costs, with no increase in either the re-admission or peri-operative complication rates.

[Health economic evaluation of clinical pathway of traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of mild acute pancreatitis].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the health economic value clinical pathway (CP) of traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of mild acute pancreatitis (MAP). METHODS: Ninty one patients with MAP were enrolled prospectively in TCM clinical pathway group from June 2012 to February 2013, while the data of 80 MAP patients who were treated without TCM clinical pathway from June 2011 to May 2012, were analyzed retrospectively as control group. The health economic evaluation data used for the two groups comparison included: average length of stay, hospitalization expenses (total hospitalization expenses, total treatment cost, TCM treatment cost, herbal fees, medicine fees, and nursing care cost), as well as the usage of antibiotics/somatostatin, the release time of abdominal pain, the time of re-feeding, and patient satisfaction. RESULTS: There were no significant statistical differences in demographics, etiology, Ranson and Balthazar CT scores between the two groups (P > 0.05). Compared with non-CP group, the usage of antibiotics and somatostatin, the release time of abdominal pain, the time of re-feeding and patient satisfaction were all improved significantly in CP group (P < 0.05). The average length of stay in CP group was shorter than that of non-CP group (P < 0.05). Total hospitalization expenses [yen (11,089.89 +/- 4,318.29) vs. yen (8,960.34 +/- 4,328.91)], medicine fees [yen (6,563.80 +/- 2,743.87) vs. yen (3,988.28 +/- 2,128.10)] and nursing care cost [yen (110.51 +/- 37.24) vs. yen (93.32 +/- 35.20)] were all reduced in CP group, while TCM treatment cost [yen (609.59 +/- 624.42) vs. (968.29 +/- 769.68)] and herbal fees [yen (162.72 +/- 135.13) vs. yen (303.49 +/- 149.90)] were increased (P < 0.05). There was no significant statistical difference in total treatment cost between the two groups (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: TCM clinical pathway of MAP can not only ensure the therapeutic effects, but also shorten the average length of stay, reduce medical cost and increase patient satisfaction.