Vitamin D in blood serum and chronic pancreatitis.

Patients with chronic pancreatitis are at risk of developing malabsorption and malnutrition. Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency is accompanied by decreased serum micronutrient levels and low vitamin D levels are a frequent finding in up to 60-80% of patients. The aim of our prospective study was to investigate vitamin D in the blood serum of subjects with chronic pancreatitis with the possibility of influencing the reduced vitamin D levels with supplementation therapy. MATERIAL AND METHODOLOGY: Fifty patients with chronic pancreatitis and 20 subjects in the control group without gastrointestinal tract diseases, including pancreatic disease, were examined. The vitamin D level in blood serum was determined. The results were evaluated according to the age distribution of subjects with pancreatic disease and according to gender. Patients with low vitamin D levels were treated for 24 weeks with a dose of 1.500.000 IU of vitamin D3 per day, and then blood serum vitamin D levels were determined. RESULTS: In people with chronic pancreatitis, vitamin D levels were statistically significantly reduced compared to the control group. There was no statistically significant relationship of vitamin D with gender and age. Supplementation with vitamin D3 achieved an adjustment of vitamin D level to the level of the control group. CONCLUSION: Blood serum vitamin D levels are significantly reduced in people with chronic pancreatitis. Its correction by oral vitamin D supplementation was effective. Whether this adjustment of levels will be effective also in terms of e.g. beneficial effect on fibrogenesis will require further representative studies, because the limitation of the interpretation of the results of our study is the smaller number of subjects with chronic pancreatitis (Tab. 4, Ref. 29).

Diagnostics and therapy of chronic pancreatitis according to UEG guidelines.

Chronic pancreatitis is one of the diseases whose incidence is slightly increasing long-term. Apparently this is related to our current dietary habits and to the way of life in industrialized societies in general. In recent years, chronic pancreatitis has experienced greater diagnostic accuracy and reliability, although we are still unable to diagnose the early stages of the disease. In diagnostics, sophisticated imaging methods are in the forefront, and less frequent is the use of tests that assess the exocrine function of the gland. Non-invasive therapeutic approaches include dietary measures, including an absolute ban on alcohol. Drug therapy consists of the application of drugs containing pancreatic digestive enzymes and the treatment of pancreatic pain. The administration of capsules containing microparticles containing pancreatic enzymes, protected against inactivation of enzymes in an acidic gastric environment, is effective. In the treatment of pancreatic pain, we use a range of analgesic drugs, but abstinence from alcohol itself leads to a decrease in the frequency of pancreatic pain. Surgical therapy is very effective. Among other treatment methods include also endoscopic therapy. From the point of view of diagnosis and therapy, chronic pancreatitis is one of the conditions requiring a multidisciplinary approach. In this review article, we discuss the possibilities of diagnosis and treatment of chronic pancreatitis according to the current recommendations of UEG (United European Gastroenterology).

Nonalcoholic Fatty Pancreas Disease: Clinical Consequences.

Metabolic syndrome and its components such as obesity, hypertriglyceridemia, type-2 diabetes mellitus (DM-T2), and arterial hypertension are unequivocally serious problems for every society. This is especially true in economically developed countries where the imbalance in lifestyle between caloric intake and caloric output still gets greater and greater. This fact is not only a concern for the adult population but for children as well. However, metabolic syndrome does not only affect society and health in regards to cardiovascular diseases, it significantly concerns gastroenterology where it is classified as nonalcoholic fatty pancreas disease (NAFPD). The data gained from several trials show that the prevalence of NAFDP is 33% (95% CI 24-41%). When it comes to the diagnostic procedures concerning the presence of pancreatic fat, a whole spectrum of suitable methods are recommended. Probably, the most exact method is the use of magnetic resonance imaging. However, for common clinical practice, the abdominal sonographic examination based on the comparison of the pancreatic parenchymatous echogenity versus renal or hepatic echogenity is used. The clinical consequences of pancreatic steatosis and steatopancreatitis are significant. These diseases are connected with DM-T2 and insulin resistance. In recent years, changes of exocrine pancreatic function, particularly its decrease, have also been described. It is known that there is a close correlation between NAFPD and nonalcoholic hepatic steatosis and also with the increased thickness of aortic intima-media. There is also an important relationship between NAFPD and pancreatic carcinoma. Pancreatic steatosis, and especially its NAFPD form, is a serious state which can be treatable by the possible effective management of metabolic syndrome parameters, including obesity.

Bone Metabolism in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases 2.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease encompasses Crohns Disease, which is capable of affecting the entire GI tract, although usually favors the ileocolonic and perianal areas, and Ulcerative Colitis, which is limited to the colon. The pathophysiology is not fully understood but is thought to be caused by a complex interplay among gut microbiota, dysregulation of the hosts immune system, genetic susceptibility and environmental factors. Osteopenia and osteoporosis are considered to be extraintestinal manifestations of inflammatory bowel disease. Osteoporosis is usually diagnosed by dual-energy X-ray absortiometry. Early interventions to treat active CD and preventative treatment strategies to reduce excessive bone loss might prevent long term consequences of bone loss, including fractures. The immune response in IBD includes increased production of variety of proinflammatory cytokines such as IL1β, TNFα, IL6 a IL1 from T cells and macrophages. These have both direct and indirect effects on bone turnover. Vitamin D is vital in mantenance of bone strenght, mineralisation and fracture prevention. Vitamin Ds physiological importance has also been implicated in a number of inflammatory diseases, mainly asthma, atherosclerosis and autoimmune disease.

Bone metabolism in inflammatory bowel diseases 1.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease encompasses Crohns Disease, which is capable of affecting the entire GI tract, although usually favors the ileocolonic and perianal areas, and Ulcerative Colitis, which is limited to the colon. The pathophysiology is not fully understood but is thought to be caused by a complex interplay among gut microbiota, dysregulation of the hosts immune system, genetic susceptibility and environmental factors. Osteopenia and osteoporosis are considered to be extraintestinal manifestations of inflammatory bowel disease. Osteoporosis is usually diagnosed by dual-energy X-ray absortiometry. Early interventions to treat active CD and preventative treatment strategies to reduce excessive bone loss might prevent long term consequences of bone loss, including fractures. The immune response in IBD includes increased production of variety of proinflammatory cytokines such as IL1β, TNFα, IL6 a IL1 from T cells and macrophages. These have both direct and indirect effects on bone turnover. Vitamin D is vital in mantenance of bone strenght, mineralisation and fracture prevention. Vitamin Ds physiological importance has also been implicated in a number of inflammatory diseases, mainly asthma, atherosclerosis and autoimmune disease.

The role of metabolic syndrome in the induction of chronic pancreatitis after a first attack of acute pancreatitis - multicenter trial.

BACKGROUND: Metabolic syndrome is a serious societal problem worldwide. In the Czech Republic more than 30% of the adult population are sufferers. The role of recurrent acute pancreatitis in the induction of chronic pancreatitis, following the socalled „mechanistic definition“ of chronic pancreatitis, has been unequivocally confirmed. However, there are a number of factors that may contribute to the development of chronic pancreatitis. The first aim of the study was to determine whether the metabolic syndrome may affect the development of chronic pancreatitis. The second question we asked ourselves was whether even one acute attack of pancreatitis could be an inductive factor in chronic pancreatitis. METHODS: Based on data obtained retrospectively from a total of 264 people diagnosed with chronic pancreatitis in 4 centers, a total of 59 people (22.3%) diagnosed within 36 months of a first attack of acute pancreatitis was obtained. Etiologies of either genetically induced pancreatitis or autoimmune pancreatitis were excluded. Diagnostics to identify the presence of metabolic syndrome were run on the 59 persons so obtained using the criteria from the socalled „harmonized“ definition of 2009 (obesity, arterial hypertension, hypertriglyceridemia, type 2 diabetes mellitus and a decreased level of HDL cholesterol). RESULTS: Comparing the findings of the individual components of metabolic syndrome in persons with chronic pancreatitis after a 1st attack of acute pancreatitis with the metabolic syndrome and in persons with chronic pancreatitis after the 1st attack of acute pancreatitis but without metabolic syndrome, a statistically significant difference in obesity was found (82.5% vs. 28.5%), hypertriglyceridemia (82.3% vs 17.8%) and arterial hypertension (70.5% vs 21.4%). The interval during which chronic pancreatitis occurred after acute pancreatitis averaged 12 months (10-14 months) in subjects with metabolic syndrome, whereas in the group without metabolic syndrome the interval was longer, 20 months (16-29 months). CONCLUSION: Our results show that even one attack of acute pancreatitis (regardless of etiology) can be an inductive factor in chronic pancreatitis. The presence of metabolic syndrome can accelerate the development of chronic pancreatitis after one has had acute pancreatitis.

Elipse, the first procedureless gastric balloon for weight loss: a prospective, observational, open-label, multicenter study.

Background and study aims Conventional gastric balloons for weight loss require endoscopy for placement and removal. The Elipse device is swallowed, resides in the stomach for 4 months, and is then expelled. The objectives of this study were to assess the safety of Elipse and to measure its effects on weight loss, metabolic parameters, and quality of life. Methods Each participant swallowed one Elipse device, which was filled with 550 mL of filling fluid through a thin delivery catheter that was then removed. Weight was measured every 2 weeks, and metabolic parameters and quality of life were assessed at baseline and at trial exit. Results 34 patients, with a mean body mass index of 34.8 kg/m2, were enrolled. All 34 patients successfully swallowed the Elipse device. All adverse events were either self-limiting or resolved with medication. All balloons were safely excreted. At 4 months, the mean percent total body weight loss was 10 %. Mean waist circumference was reduced by 8.4 cm. Improvements were also seen in hemoglobin A1c, triglycerides, low density lipoprotein, and blood pressure. At trial exit, quality of life measures had improved across all domains. Conclusion These results demonstrate clinically significant weight loss with the Elipse, the first procedureless gastric balloon. The weight loss was similar to that seen in previous studies of endoscopically placed balloons. In addition, Elipse therapy led to improvements in waist circumference, several metabolic parameters, and overall quality of life.ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT 02802007.

[A contribution to the differential diagnostics of sclerosing cholangitides]. / Príspevek k diferenciální diagnostice sklerozujících cholangitid.

Sclerosing cholangitides represent a group of chronic biliary obstructive diseases which include primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), IgG4 associated sclerosing cholangitis (IgG4-SC) and secondary sclerosing cholangitis (SSC). The manifestations of the diseases are similar, but their asymptomatic course is also frequent. IgG4-SC belongs to the group of IgG4 associated diseases and it is the most frequently related to type 1 autoimmune pancreatitis. Diagnosing of IgG4-SC is based on typical histopathological images, shape changes revealed by diagnostic imaging, serological tests, concurrent impairment of other organs and response to therapy, where IgG4-SC responds well to treatment with corticoids, whereas the only possibility for the remaining units is endoscopic intervention or liver transplantation. Secondary sclerosing cholangitis may develop as a result of many different insults affecting the biliary tree. Among them, the most frequently described include long-lasting biliary obstruction, surgical injury of the biliary tree, and ischemic cholangitis in liver allotransplants or recurrent pancreatitis. We use serological and imaging examination in PSC diagnostics, sometimes we have to resort to liver biopsy. PSC is to a significant degree accompanied by the presence of idiopathic bowel disease, typically ulcerative colitis. As a result, PSC may lead to cirrhosis of the liver and it is a precancerous condition of several malignancies. With regard to variable locations of the biliary tree injuries concerning the aforementioned units, also certain malignancies in subhepatic landscape need to be considered in the differential diagnosis: pancreatic cancer and cholangiogenous carcinoma.Key words: genetic factors - IBD - IgG4 cholangitis - liver transplantation - bile duct cancer - ursodeoxycholic acid - primary sclerosing cholangitis - secondary cholangitis - sclerosing cholangitis.

Clinical monitoring: infliximab biosimilar CT-P13 in the treatment of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.

OBJECTIVE: The infliximab biosimilar CT-P13 (Remsima(®), Inflectra(®)) was approved in Europe for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) based on extrapolation of data from patients with rheumatic disease. Because there are limited published reports on clinical outcomes for IBD patients treated with CT-P13, we monitored responses to induction treatment with this biosimilar in patients with Crohn's disease (CD) or ulcerative colitis (UC) in centres across the Czech Republic. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Fifty-two patients with CD (n = 30) or UC (n = 22) were treated with 5 mg/kg CT-P13 for up to 14 weeks. Effectiveness of therapy was evaluated with the Crohn's Disease Activity Index (CDAI) or the Mayo Scoring System (MSS) in patients with CD or UC, respectively, before and after 14 weeks. Additional goals were to evaluate weight changes, serum C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, and complications/adverse events. RESULTS: In patients with CD, remission (CDAI <150) was achieved in 50.0% of cases, and partial response (≥70-point decrease in CDAI score from baseline) in the remaining 50.0%. In patients with UC, remission (total score on partial Mayo index ≤2 points) was achieved in 40.9% of cases, partial response (≥2-point decrease in partial Mayo score from baseline) in 54.5%, and no response in 4.5%. There were statistically significant improvements in CDAI, MSS and CRP serum levels after 14 weeks of therapy, and body weight increased. Four adverse events were identified (n = 1 each): lower-extremity phlebothrombosis, herpes labialis, pneumonia and allergic reaction. CONCLUSIONS: This prospective observational study provides evidence of the effectiveness of CT-P13 in IBD.

[Chronic pancreatitis diagnosed after the first attack of acute pancreatitis]. / Chronická pankreatitida diagnostikovaná po první atace akutní pankreatitidy.

INTRODUCTION: One of the diseases involving a potential risk of developing chronic pancreatitis is acute pancreatitis. MATERIAL: Of the overall number of 231 individuals followed with a diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis, 56 patients were initially treated for acute pancreatitis (24.2 %). Within an interval of 12- 24 months from the first attack of acute pancreatitis, their condition gradually progressed to reached the picture of chronic pancreatitis. The individuals included in the study abstained (from alcohol) following the first attack of acute pancreatitis and no relapse of acute pancreatitis was proven during the period of their monitoring. RESULTS: The etiology of acute pancreatitis identified alcohol as the predominant cause (55.3 %), biliary etiology was proven in 35.7 %. According to the revised Atlanta classification, severe pancreatitis was established in 69.6 % of the patients, the others met the criterion for intermediate form, those with the light form were not included. CONCLUSION: Significant risk factors present among the patients were smoking, obesity and 18 %, resp. 25.8 % had pancreatogenous diabetes mellitus identified. 88.1 % of the patients with acute pancreatitis were smokers. The majority of individuals with chronic pancreatitis following an attack of acute pancreatitis were of a productive age from 25 to 50 years. It is not only acute alcoholic pancreatitis which evolves into chronic pancreatitis, we have also identified this transition for pancreatitis of biliary etiology.

[The rational diagnostic of cholangiocarcinoma]. / Racionální diagnostika cholangiokarcinomu.

Cholangiocarcinoma (CC) is a rare malignant tumour arising from cholangiocytes, and its prognosis is usually unfavourable, mostly as a result of late diagnosis of the tumour. The current incidence of cholangiocarcinoma in the Czech Republic is 1.4/100,000 inhabitants per year; in less than 30 % of patients with CC, one of the known risk factors can be identified, most frequently, primary sclerosing cholangitis. Only patients with early diagnosed and surgically amenable cholangiocarcinoma are likely to have a longer survival time; in their case, survival for more than five years has been achieved in 20 % to 40 %. From the perspective of the need for early diagnosis of CC, a significant part is played by imaging and histopathologic evaluation; the early diagnostic significance of oncomarkers is limited. The rational early diagnosis of CC consists in effective use of differentiated advantages of different imaging modalities - MRI with DSA appears to be the optimal method, endosonography is a sensitive method for the identification of malignancy in the hepatic hilum or distal common bile duct, MRCP (magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography) is used to display pathological changes in the biliary tree, ERCP (endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography) allows material removal for histopathological examination. Other new approaches are also beneficial, such as IDUS - intraductal ultrasonography of biliary tract or SPY-GLASS, enabling examination of the bile ducts by direct view with the possibility of taking targeted biopsies. Sensitivity and specificity of histology and cytology can be increased by using the molecular cytogenetic FISH method, i.e. fluorescence in situ by hybridization, with a specificity of 97 %.

A RARE PARASITIC DISEASE OF THE LIVER - ALVEOLAR ECHINOCOCCOSIS.

Alveolar echinococcosis is a rare parasitic disease, especially of the liver, caused by the larval stage of the tapeworm Echinococcus multilocularis. At the end of the last century France, Germany, Austria and Switzerland were the regions where this disease most often manifested itself, these days this infection is diagnosed also in our territory. We describe the case of the disease of a twenty-five-year-old male with nonspecific signs and hepatomegaly, who was diagnosed on the basis of imaging and laboratory sampling. Due to inoperability the patient is now in infectologist follow-up on long-term treatment with Albendazole. He is clinically stable, included on the waiting list for liver transplantation.

Immunoglobulin G4, autoimmune pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer.

BACKGROUND: Immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4)-related diseases are a group of diseases characterized by enlargement of the affected organs, elevation of serum IgG4, massive infiltration of affected organs with lymphocytes and plasma cells with IgG4 positivity and tissue fibrosis. Type I autoimmune pancreatitis is one form of IgG4-related disease. For IgG4-related diseases, various localizations are described for up to 10% of malignancies. The aim of our study was to examine IgG4 serum levels and pancreatic tissue with respect to the simultaneous presence of autoimmune pancreatitis in patients with pancreatic cancer. METHODS: IgG4 serum levels were examined In 106 patients with histologically confirmed pancreatic cancer. The level of 135 mg/dl was considered as the normal value. Pancreatic tissue was histologically examined with respect to the presence of markers of autoimmune pancreatitis. RESULTS: A higher IgG4 level than the cut-off value of 135 mg/dl was proven in 11 patients with pancreatic cancer. Of these 11 patients, 7 had levels twice the normal limit (65.6%). Autoimmune pancreatitis was diagnosed in these individuals. In the case of 1 patient, it was basically an unexpected finding; another patient was initially diagnosed with autoimmune pancreatitis. Repeated biopsy of the pancreas at the time of diagnosis did not confirm the presence of tumour structures, therefore steroid therapy was started. At a check-up 6 months after starting steroid therapy, the condition of the patient improved subjectively and IgG4 levels decreased. However, endosonographically, malignancy was suspected, which was subsequently confirmed histologically. This patient also demonstrated an IgG4 level twice the normal limit. CONCLUSION: IgG4-related diseases can be accompanied by the simultaneous occurrence of malignancies, which also applies to autoimmune pancreatitis. Chronic pancreatitis is considered a risk factor for pancreatic cancer. It cannot be reliably confirmed whether this also applies to autoimmune pancreatitis. In accordance with other works, however, it is evident that, despite the described high sensitivity and specificity for IgG4 elevation in the case of autoimmune pancreatitis, even levels twice the normal limit are demonstrable in some individuals with pancreatic cancer, without the presence of autoimmune pancreatitis. We believe that patients with IgG4-related disease, including autoimmune pancreatitis, must be systematically monitored with respect to the potential presence of malignancy.

[Autoimmune pancreatitis - diagnostic consensus]. / Autoimunitní pankreatitida - diagnostický konsenzus.

The autoimmune type of pancreatitis represents the specific disease of pancreas, with significant contribution of autoimmune processes in its etiopathogenesis. Currently, there are two proved subtypes of this particular pancreatopathy, which are defined clinically, histomorphologically and serologically. They have many histomorphological signs in common, but differ in the presence of so-called granulocytic epithelial lesions (GEL), which are absent in subtype 1. The subtype 1 is characterized by the presence of gammaglobulines, esp. immunoglobuline G4 and IgG4 positive extrapancreatic lesions. The subtype 2 is typically associated with the inflammatory bowel diseases, esp. ulcerative colitis. But the common characteristic of both subtypes is the fact response to applied steroid treatment. Due to diverse diagnostic criteria in the past, in 2011 the consensus for the diagnosis of autoimmune pancreatitis was announced. It is based on clinical symptoms, biochemical results, the results got by using of imaging methods, histomorphology and positive response to steroid treatment. The matter to be solved is the question of early differential diagnosis between focal autoimmune pancreatitis and adenocarcinoma of pancreatic head. From imaging methods are MRI/CT, MRCP (in Asia ERCP), EUS with targeted biopsy of the gland (under EUS control), are recommended as the methods of choice.

[Rare case of cystic disease of the liver - alveolar echinococcosis of the liver]. / Neobvyklý prípad cystického postizení jater - alveolární echinokokóza jater.

Alveolar echinococcosis is a rare parasitic disease, especially of liver, caused by larval stage of tapeworm Echinococcus multilocularis. At the end of the last century France, Germany, Austria and Switzerland were the most often regions with this disease, these days is this infection diagnosed also in our territory. We describe the case of the disease of the twenty-five years old male with nonspecific signs and hepatomegaly, who was diagnosed on the basis of imaging and laboratory sampling. Due to inoperability the patient is now in infectologist follow-up on a long-term treatment with albendazole. He is clinically stable, included in waiting list for liver transplantation.Key words: alveolar echinococcosis - benzimidazols - Echinococcus multilocularis - parasitic disease of liver.

[Pain in chronic pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer - treatment options]. / Bolest u chronické pankreatitidy a karcinomu pankreatu - moznosti lécby.

Treatment of pain is one of the main pillars of treatment of pancreatic diseases. Abdominal pain is a common and often debilitating symptom in patients with chronic pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer. Treatment involves abstinence from tobacco, alcohol and analgetics and adjunctive agents. Surgical and endoscopic treatment requires careful patient selection based on a detailed analysis of ductal anatomy. The limited possibilities of this therapy are patients without dilatation of the main pancreatic duct. Results of randomized trials suggest that the effect of surgical treatment is sustained over time and more efficient than the endoscopic treatment. Less frequently used options include EUS - assisted celiac plexus blockade, thoracoscopic splanchniectomia or total pancreatectomy with islet cell autotransplantation. These methods are rarely used when all other options have failed and only in carefully selected patients.

[Risk factors and progression predictors of Barrett´s oesophagus to adenocarcinoma]. / Rizikové faktory a prediktory progrese Barrettova jícnu do adenokarcinomu.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease is a quite common disorder, and the condition affects some 40 per cent of population in the course of their lifetime. Fortunately, about half of the patients examined due to clear symptoms do not manifest macroscopic damage of the oesophageal mucosa, and serious endoscopic findings (Barrett's oesophagus) are observed in only a small percentage of patients (10%). Barrett's oesophagus is a serious complication - precancerous condition with a 30-fold higher risk of development of oesophageal adenocarcinoma when compared with patients without this condition. The article presents risk factors and predictors of progression of the Barrett's oesophagus into the stage of adenocarcinoma. The main risk factors associated with oesophageal adenocarcinoma are male sex, white race, gastroesophageal reflux.

[Crohn's disease - etiopathogenetic factors]. / Crohnova nemoc - genetické faktory z pohledu etiopatogeneze.

Crohn's disease is often purely inflammatory, but most patients develop complicated disease with strictures or fistulae. Specific etiopathogenesis of this severe disease is not definitely clear despite research efforts and learning of many pathogenetic mechanisms. Many studies have suggested that NOD2 mutations are associated with increased risk of complicated disease. Presence of NOD2 mutation itself is just one of factors contributing to development of this disease. Genetically predisposed individuals in combination with influence of environmental factors result in a disturbed innate (i.e., disturbed intestinal barrier, Paneth cell dysfunction) and adaptive (i.e., imbalance of effector and regulatory T cells and cytokines, migration and retention of leukocytes) immune response towards a diminished diversity of commensal microbiota. Data of meta-analysis made so far provide ambiguous evidence to support top-down therapy based solely on single NOD2 mutations, but suggest that targeted early-intensive therapy for high-risk patients with two NOD2 mutations might be beneficial, but more prospective trials could answer these questions.

Acute pancreatitis as a risk factor of chronic pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer. An overview.

This is an overview of relation between acute and chronic pancreatitis and between acute pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer. Acute pancreatitis and recurrent acute pancreatitis are an etiological factor of chronic pancreatitis. Population-based studies have calculated the risk of acute recurrent pancreatitis after the first attack of acute pancreatitis to be 20% and development of chronic pancreatitis after first attack of acute pancreatitis is 10%. An important risk factor is tobacco smoking. Acute and chronic pancreatitis are risk factors for pancreatic cancer. The risk of acute pancreatitis is related to the number of recurrences of acute pancreatitis, but not the etiology of acute pancreatitis. Acute pancreatitis, as well as chronic pancreatitis, are risk factors for pancreatic cancer. After an attack of acute pancreatitis or recurrent acute pancreatitis a patient should be regarded as a high risk.

Painless form of chronic pancreatitis - multicentre study.

BACKGROUND: The painless form of chronic pancreatitis is one of the rarer forms of the disease. While 80% to 90% of all chronic pancreatitis cases have abdominal pain as their clinical symptom, a smaller proportion of persons with chronic pancreatitis do not report typical pain. This form of the disease is often associated with exocrine and endocrine pancreatic insufficiency and weight loss, but the absence of pain symptoms may initially lead to misdiagnosis. METHODS: In a cohort of 257 people with chronic pancreatitis, the painless form was diagnosed in 30 individuals (11.6%), with an average age of 56 years and a predominance of men (71.4%). Thirty-eight percent were non-smokers and 47.6% of patients smoked up to 10 cigarettes per day. Alcohol intake of less than 40 g per day was reported by 61.9% of subjects. A quarter were moderately overweight, with a mean BMI of 26.5. Newly diagnosed diabetes mellitus had 25.7% of the subjects. RESULTS: A frequent finding was the demonstration of morphological changes, with calcifications found in 85,7% and dilatation of the pancreatic duct greater than 6.0 mm in 66%. A surprising finding was the presence of metabolic syndrome in 42.8% and the most frequent finding was the demonstration of decreased external pancreatic secretion (90%). CONCLUSION: Painless chronic pancreatitis is usually treated conservatively. We demonstrate a subset of 28 patients with painless chronic pancreatitis treated surgically. Most frequent indications were benign stenosis of the intrapancreatic bile duct and stenosis of the pancreatic duct. Although approximately 1 in 10 people with chronic pancreatitis present with a painless form of it, so that the form of the disease is described as rare, this does not change the fact that management of these people is still not optimal.