Chronic Pancreatitis in a Large Developing Country: Temporal Trends of Over 64,000 Hospitalizations from 2009 to 2019.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Chronic pancreatitis (CP) is a progressive inflammatory disorder associated with marked morbidity and mortality and frequently requires hospitalization. This study aimed to investigate the time trends and geographical distribution of hospital admissions, the lethality rate of CP across Brazil, and the potential relationship with social indicators and associated risk factors. METHODS: Data were retrospectively obtained from the Brazilian Public Health System Registry between January 2009 and December 2019. The prevalence and lethality rates of CP per 100,000 inhabitants in each municipality were estimated from hospitalizations to in-hospital deaths and classified by age, sex, and demographic features. RESULTS: During the study period, 64,609 admissions were retrieved, and most of the patients were males (63.54%). Hospitalization decreased by nearly half (-54.68%) in both sexes. CP rates in males were higher in all age groups. The greatest reduction in admissions (- 64%) was also noted in patients ≥ 70y. CP In-hospital lethality remained stable (5-6%) and similar for males and females. Patients ≥ 70y showed the highest lethality. The greatest increase in CP lethality rates (+ 10%) was observed in municipalities integrated into metropolises, which was mainly driven by small-sized municipalities (+ 124%). CONCLUSIONS: CP hospitalizations decrease in both urban and rural areas, particularly in the North, Northeast, and Central-West regions, and in those above 70 years of age, but are not correlated with lethality rates in the South. This suggests ongoing changes in the environmental and socioeconomic factors in Brazil.

EVALUATING LACTOFERRIN AND CALPROTECTIN AS MARKERS OF INTESTINAL INFLAMMATION INCHRONIC PANCREATITIS.

BACKGROUND: The treatment of chronic pancreatitis does not consistently solve intestinal abnormalities, and despite the implementation of various therapeutic measures, patients often continue to experience persistent diarrhea. Therefore, it is imperative to recognize that diarrhea may stem from factors beyond pancreatic insufficiency, and intestinal inflammation emerges as a potential contributing factor. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess fecal lactoferrin and calprotectin levels as indicators of intestinal inflammation in patients with chronic pancreatitis experiencing persistent diarrhea. METHODS: In this study, 23 male patients with chronic pancreatitis primarily attributed to alcohol consumption and presenting with diarrhea (classified as Bristol stool scale type 6 or 7), underwent a comprehensive evaluation of their clinical and nutritional status. Fecal lactoferrin and calprotectin levels were mea-sured utilizing immunoassay techniques. RESULTS: The average age of the participants was 54.8 years, 43.5% had diabetes, and 73.9% were smokers. Despite receiving enzyme replacement therapy and refraining from alcohol for over 4 years, all participants exhibited persistent diarrhea, accompanied by elevated calprotectin and lactoferrin levels indicative of ongoing intestinal inflammation. CONCLUSION: The findings of this study underscore that intestinal inflammation, as evidenced by elevated fecal biomarkers calprotectin and lactoferrin, may contribute to explaining the persistence of diarrhea in patients with chronic pancreatitis. BACKGROUND: • Exploration of intestinal inflammation in chronic pancreatitis patients with altered bowel habits. BACKGROUND: • Assessment of 23 patients using lactoferrin and calprotectin as intestinal inflammation biomarkers. BACKGROUND: • Intestinal inflammation was detected in all patients; positive correlation between both biomarkers. BACKGROUND: • Established connection between altered bowel habits and intestinal inflammation in chronic pancreatitis.

Interventions for Pancreatitis-New Approaches, Knowledge Gaps, and Research Opportunities: Summary of a National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases Workshop.

ABSTRACT: There exists no cure for acute, recurrent acute or chronic pancreatitis and treatments to date have been focused on managing symptoms. A recent workshop held by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) focused on interventions that might disrupt or perhaps even reverse the natural course of this heterogenous disease, aiming to identify knowledge gaps and research opportunities that might inform future funding initiatives for NIDDK. The breadth and variety of identified active or planned clinical trials traverses the spectrum of the disease and was conceptually grouped for the workshop into behavioral, nutritional, pharmacologic and biologic, and mechanical interventions. Cognitive and other behavioral therapies are proven interventions for pain and addiction, but barriers exist to their use. Whilst a disease specific instrument quantifying pain is now validated, an equivalent is lacking for nutrition - and both face challenges in ease and frequency of administration. Multiple pharmacologic agents hold promise. Ongoing development of Patient Reported Outcome (PRO) measurements can satisfy Investigative New Drug (IND) regulatory assessments. Despite multiple randomized clinical trials demonstrating benefit, great uncertainty remains regarding patient selection, timing of intervention, and type of mechanical intervention (endoscopic versus surgery). Challenges and opportunities to establish beneficial interventions for patients were identified.

Clasificación de Rosemont para pancreatitis crónica / Rosemont classification for chronic pancreatitis

Chronic pancreatitis is a persistent fibroinflammatory disease of the pancreas, more common in smokers or alcoho- lics. Genetic predisposition with mutations in various genes has also been documented. It typically presents with recurrent abdominal pain and endocrine and exocrine dysfunction, potentially progressing to pancreatic cancer and severe complications in later stages. In Chile, an annual incidence of 0.8 cases per 100,000 inhabitants is estimated, with a prevalence of 6.1 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. Early diagnosis is a current challenge for which endosonography has emerged as a sensitive and specific diagnostic tool, especially with the implementation of the Rosemont classification. Various studies have validated the utility of this classification. However, the limited availability of endosonography in some countries, such as Chile, establishes challenges for generalizing its appli- cation. It is expected that in the future, the Rosemont classification will become a standard for the diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis.

La pancreatitis crónica es una enfermedad fibroinflamatoria persistente del páncreas, más común en fumadores o alcohólicos. De igual forma se ha documentado predisposición genética con mutaciones de distintos genes. Usualmente se manifiesta con dolor abdominal recurrente y disfunción endocrina y exocrina, pudiendo llegar a desarrollar cáncer de páncreas y graves complicaciones en fases tardías. En Chile, se estima una incidencia anual de 0,8 casos por 100.000 habitantes, con una prevalencia de 6,1 casos por cada 100.000 habitantes. El diagnóstico temprano es un desafío para el cual la endosonografía ha destacado como una herramienta diagnóstica sensible y específica, especialmente con la implementación de la clasificación de Rosemont. Distintos estudios han validado la utilidad de esta clasificación. Sin embargo, la limitada disponibilidad de endosonografía en algunos países, como Chile, plantea desafíos para generalizar su aplicación. Se espera que en un futuro la clasificación de Rosemont se convierta en un estándar para el diagnóstico de pancreatitis crónica.

Effectiveness of pancreatic stent placement in pediatric patients with acute recurrent and chronic pancreatitis.

BACKGROUND: The use of pancreatic prostheses in children with acute recurrent pancreatitis (ARP) and chronic pancreatitis (CP) has evolved. The main established indication is the treatment of persistent abdominal pain. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of pancreatic stenting for refractory abdominal pain in pediatric patients with ARP and CP. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective case series study. We included patients under 16 years of age diagnosed with ARP and CP in the study. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) was performed with the insertion of one and later two pancreatic stents. We evaluated abdominal symptoms before and after treatment, number of changes, duration of treatment, and complications with follow-up at 24 months and after withdrawal. RESULTS: Nine patients with ARP and CP were included in the study: six with undetermined etiology and three with pancreas divisum. The mean age was 12.4 years. Prosthesis placement relieved abdominal pain in 100% of cases, with 3.2 replacement sessions every 6.2 months for 27.4 months, and mild complications (15.7%). One patient experienced pain on removal of the prosthesis and required bypass surgery. CONCLUSION: Pancreatic stent placement in patients with refractory abdominal pain with ARP and CP proved to be effective and safe, providing medium-term symptom relief and minimal complications.

INTRODUCCIÓN: El uso de prótesis pancreáticas en niños con pancreatitis aguda recurrente (PAR) y crónica (PC) ha evolucionado. La principal indicación establecida es el tratamiento del dolor abdominal persistente. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la eficacia del uso prótesis pancreática para el dolor abdominal refractario en pacientes pediátricos con PAR y PC, sin respuesta a manejo conservador. MÉTODOS: Se llevó a cabo un estudio retrospectivo de serie de casos. Se incluyeron pacientes menores de 16 años con diagnóstico de PAR y PC. Se realizó una colangio pancreatografía retrograda endoscópica (CPRE) para introducir inicialmente una y posteriormente dos prótesis pancreáticas. Se evaluaron síntomas abdominales antes y después del tratamiento, número de recambios, duración del tratamiento y complicaciones con seguimiento a 24 meses y posterior a su retiro. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron 9 pacientes con PAR y PC: seis de etiología no determinada y tres con páncreas divisum. La edad promedio fue de 12.4 años. La colocación de prótesis alivió el dolor abdominal en el 100%, con 3.2 sesiones de recambio cada 6.2 meses en 27.4 meses, y complicaciones leves (15.7%). Un paciente presentó dolor al retirar las prótesis y requirió cirugía derivativa. CONCLUSIONES: El uso de prótesis pancreática en pacientes con dolor abdominal refractario con PAR y PC demostró ser eficaz y seguro al aliviar los síntomas a mediano plazo con mínimas complicaciones.

Clinical and paraclinical characteristics in pediatric patients with acute recurrent and chronic pancreatitis: a cohort in Mexico.

BACKGROUND: Acute recurrent pancreatitis (ARP) and chronic pancreatitis (CP) are infrequent clinical entities in pediatric patients, as less than 8% of the literature mentions this population. This study aimed to describe the clinical and paraclinical profile, and the etiology related to patients with ARP and CP attended at a tertiary-level healthcare institute in Mexico. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study from medical records of patients with ARP and CP attended between 2010 and 2020, analyzing the clinical characteristics, imaging studies, and the etiology associated with each patient. RESULTS: We analyzed 25 patients: 17 were diagnosed with ARP, and eight with CP. The main etiology identified was an anatomical alteration of the pancreatic duct (32%); pancreas divisum was the most prevalent condition. In 48% of the population, the etiology was not identified. The group with CP was higher in frequency for calcifications and dilation of the pancreatic duct (p < 0.005) compared to the ARP group. CONCLUSIONS: The main etiology for ARP and CP was an anatomical alteration of the pancreatic duct; however, in almost half of the cases, no established cause was identified. Although comparing our results with those offered by large cohorts such as the INSPPIRE group can be complex, we found relevant similarities. Currently, the data obtained from this first descriptive study are the foundation for future research in the field of Mexican pediatric pancreatology.

INTRODUCCIÓN: La pancreatitis aguda recurrente (PAR) y crónica (PC) son entidades poco frecuentes en la edad pediátrica; sin embargo, menos del 8% de la literatura hace referencia a esta población. El objetivo de este estudio fue describir el perfil clínico, paraclínico y etiologías vinculadas en los pacientes con PAR y PC atendidos en una institución de tercer nivel de atención en México. MÉTODOS: Se realizó un estudio retrospectivo de los expedientes de los pacientes con PAR y PC atendidos entre 2010 a 2020, analizando las características clínicas, estudios de imagen y etiologías asociadas en cada uno de los pacientes. RESULTADOS: Se analizaron 25 pacientes, 17 con diagnóstico de PAR y ocho con PC. La principal etiología identificada correspondió a las alteraciones anatómicas del conducto pancreático (32%); el páncreas divisum fue la entidad más prevalente. En el 48% de la población no se pudo identificar una etiología. El grupo con PC presentó mayor frecuencia de calcificaciones y dilatación ductal pancreática (p < 0.005) en comparación al grupo de PAR. CONCLUSIONES: La principal etiología de PAR y PC identificada en nuestro estudio corresponde a las alteraciones anatómicas del conducto pancreático; sin embargo, en casi la mitad de los casos, no se tiene una causa establecida. Aunque es complicado comparar nuestros resultados con los ofrecidos por las grandes cohortes del grupo INSPPIRE, sí encontramos similitudes relevantes. Los datos obtenidos en este primer estudio descriptivo son la base para futuras investigaciones en el ámbito de la pancreatología pediátrica mexicana.

Outcomes after Frey's procedure for chronic pancreatitis: a 8-year single-center experience in Colombia.

BACKGROUND: Chronic pancreatitis is an inflammatory disease characterized by irreversible morphological changes due to chronic pancreatic fibrosis. The treatment goals are to relieve pain, preserve function, and prevent further pathological consequences. Endoscopic treatment, surgery, or both are options for untreatable pain or suspected malignancy. Frey procedure is a reasonable surgical intervention because of its hybrid character, combining resection and drainage. Unfortunately, there is limited information about the outcomes of this procedure in Latin America, and few cases described in Colombia. This study aims to describe the experience of a pancreatic surgery reference center in the management of patients undergoing Frey's surgery for chronic pancreatitis. METHODS: A retrospective review of a prospectively collected database of patients who underwent a Frey procedure due to chronic pancreatitis between January 2014 to February 2022 in a hospital in Bogotá, Colombia, was made. A demographic, clinical, and postoperative outcome description was performed. Mann-Whitney Willcoxon test was performed between operative variables and long-term outcomes. RESULTS: Eighteen patients met the inclusion criteria. 55.5% of patients were male. Chronic pancreatitis etiology in most cases (83.3% n = 15) was idiopathic. The median duration of symptoms and chronic pancreatitis diagnosis before surgery was 6.15 months (IQR 5;97). Overall morbidity was 38.88%. One patient died at 30 days of follow-up. The median follow-up time was 42.5 (IQR 19;65 months). The median pain reduction was 3 points according to the visual analog score. Six patients were diagnosed with malignant conditions after surgery (mean 27.8 ± 7.5 months). Wirsung's duct size was statistically related with malignancy presentation after Frey's procedure (Z = 2.54; P = 0.01). CONCLUSION: According to our data, Frey's procedure remains safe and feasible, with acceptable outcomes in terms of pain relief and pancreatic function. The study confirms the importance of a longstanding follow-up due to an inherent risk of pancreatic malignancy. Our data suggest that pancreatic duct size could be related with the malignancy diagnosis after Frey's procedure; however, further prospective studies with a larger sample size would be helpful to confirm these results.

Agenesia del páncreas dorsal: reporte de caso y revisión del tema / Agenesis of the dorsal pancreas: case report and topic review

Complete agenesis of the dorsal pancreas (ADP) is an exceedingly rare congenital anomaly, compatible with life. It may be asymptomatic and usually incidentally diagnosed. In symptomatic cases, the clinical manifestations vary from abdominal pain, pancreatitis and diabetes mellitus to exocrine insufficiency with steatorrhea. We present a case report of a 28 year old female with ADP, diagnosed incidentally during radiological evaluation for hyperglycemias in SARS COV2 concomitant affection. Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography confirmed the absence of, neck, body and tail of the pancreas. Knowing the pancreatic embryogenesis, the clinical presentation of their malformations and the main radiological characteristics is important for the proper diagnosis of these anomalies.

Pancreatitis crónica: análisis de factores de progresión de la enfermedad / Chronic pancreatitis: analysis of disease progression factors

BACKGROUND: Alcohol and tobacco are important risk factors for chronic pancreatitis (CP). AIM: To analyze the effect of etiological factors such as tobacco and alcohol and pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT) in the progression of CP. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Patients with a diagnosis of CP were recruited and grouped according to variables such as tobacco, alcohol and PERT. They were followed for 18 months. Subsequently, different variables and analytical parameters involved in the progression of the disease were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 50 patients diagnosed with CP were included. Of these, 28 patients underwent PERT, 39 were smokers and 33 were alcohol users. Compared with patients without PERT, those with PERT had a higher proportion of diabetes (64 and 32%, respectively), had a higher need for endoscopic treatment (25 and 0%, respectively) and a normal body mass index (71 and 27.3%, respectively. The smokers had higher calcium levels and increased lymphocytosis and leukocytosis. The alcohol consumption group had a higher mean age (p = 0.04) CONCLUSIONS: PERT may improve the nutritional status but does not reduce the need for endoscopic or surgical treatment. Smoking and alcohol consumption favored the progression of CP. Also, smoking induced a pro-inflammatory state.

[Chronic pancreatitis: analysis of disease progression factors]. / Pancreatitis crónica: análisis de factores de progresión de la enfermedad.

BACKGROUND: Alcohol and tobacco are important risk factors for chronic pancreatitis (CP). AIM: To analyze the effect of etiological factors such as tobacco and alcohol and pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT) in the progression of CP. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Patients with a diagnosis of CP were recruited and grouped according to variables such as tobacco, alcohol and PERT. They were followed for 18 months. Subsequently, different variables and analytical parameters involved in the progression of the disease were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 50 patients diagnosed with CP were included. Of these, 28 patients underwent PERT, 39 were smokers and 33 were alcohol users. Compared with patients without PERT, those with PERT had a higher proportion of diabetes (64 and 32%, respectively), had a higher need for endoscopic treatment (25 and 0%, respectively) and a normal body mass index (71 and 27.3%, respectively. The smokers had higher calcium levels and increased lymphocytosis and leukocytosis. The alcohol consumption group had a higher mean age (p = 0.04) Conclusions: PERT may improve the nutritional status but does not reduce the need for endoscopic or surgical treatment. Smoking and alcohol consumption favored the progression of CP. Also, smoking induced a pro-inflammatory state.

The Epidemiology and Burden of Childhood Chronic Pancreatitis in South Australia.

OBJECTIVE: To assess longitudinal, population-based data on the prevalence and impact of chronic pancreatitis in children. STUDY DESIGN: Administrative data linkage was used to ascertain an index cohort consisting of all individuals who had an initial diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis before age 19 years in the South Australian public hospital system between June 2000 and June 2019. Age- and sex-matched controls were drawn from the general population of South Australia, children with type 1 diabetes, and children with type 2 diabetes. Main outcomes and measures included hospital visits, days in hospital, emergency department (ED) visits, intensive care unit (ICU) admissions, education comparators, and incidence and prevalence estimates. RESULTS: A total of 73 incident cases were identified. The crude prevalence and incidence of pediatric chronic pancreatitis were estimated at 6.8/100 000 and 0.98/100 000 per year, respectively. Of the index cohort, 24 cases (32.8%) of pediatric chronic pancreatitis were identified as occurring in children of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent. Compared with matched general population controls, children with chronic pancreatitis averaged 11-fold more hospital visits, 5-fold more ED visits, and 9-fold more ICU admissions; spent 10-fold more days in the hospital; and had a 2-fold higher rate of absence from school (P < .001 for all). Similarly, children with chronic pancreatitis used substantially more health resources than children with type 1 or 2 diabetes. CONCLUSIONS: Pediatric patients with chronic pancreatitis consume a high volume of public health services and are significantly impacted in their ability to engage in education.

Rationale for and Development of the Pancreatic Quantitative Sensory Testing Consortium to Study Pain in Chronic Pancreatitis.

OBJECTIVES: Abdominal pain is the primary symptom of chronic pancreatitis (CP), but pain is difficult to assess, and objective methods for pain assessment are lacking. The characterization of the sensory component of pain as a surrogate for nociception can be achieved by sensory testing using standardized stimuli. Herein, we describe the rationale for and development of an international consortium to better understand and characterize CP pain. METHODS: A collaboration was initially formed between the University of Aalborg, Johns Hopkins University, and the University of Pittsburgh. This group refined the protocol for pancreatic quantitative sensory testing (P-QST) and then expanded the collaboration with plans for incorporating P-QST into prospective studies. RESULTS: The collaboration has successfully developed a P-QST nomogram. Chronic pancreatitis patients identified with P-QST as having widespread hyperalgesia had higher pain intensity scores, higher prevalence of constant pain, and decreased quality of life. Psychiatric comorbidities were independent of pain phenotypes. Multiple studies are underway to validate these findings and evaluate their utility in clinical trials. CONCLUSIONS: Development of the P-QST Consortium will facilitate collaborative efforts to use P-QST as a means for evaluation and characterization of pain in CP patients, and optimize methods to guide individualized pain management approaches.

ALCOHOLIC VS. NON-ALCOHOLIC CHRONIC PANCREATITIS: SURGEONS' PERSPECTIVE FROM A TERTIARY CENTRE IN INDIA.

BACKGROUND: Although alcohol is the most common cause for chronic pancreatitis worldwide, idiopathic type is prevalent in India. Natural history and disease progression are different between these two groups. There is paucity of data comparing surgical outcome and quality of life in these patients. AIM: To evaluate clinical features, surgical outcome and quality of life between these two groups of patients. METHOD: All patients with chronic pancreatitis who underwent surgery were prospectively reviewed. RESULTS: From 98 patients, 42 were alcoholic. Number of male and the mean age at the time of operation was significantly more in alcoholic patients. Smoking, preoperative hospital admission rate and the prevalence of local complications like inflammatory pancreatic head mass, biliary stricture and left sided portal hypertension were distinctly more common in alcoholic group. Frey procedure was required more commonly in alcoholic group. Mean postoperative hospital stay and overall postoperative complication rate were comparable between the two groups. Over a median follow up of 18 months there was significant improvement in quality of life and pain score in both the groups. Improvement of physical functioning score at follow-up was significantly more in alcoholic group but the requirement for analgesic medications were significantly more in alcoholic group. However, appetite loss was more perceived by non-alcoholic group. CONCLUSION: Alcoholic chronic pancreatitis presents with more local complications associated with chronic pancreatitis. Frey procedure is a safe and well accepted surgery in this group. Though they required more analgesic requirement in short term follow up, other aspects of quality of life are similar to non-alcoholic group.

Pancreatitis recurrente en pediatría: serie de casos / Recurrent pancreatitis in children: Case series

La pancreatitis recurrente (PR) ocurre en el 15-36 % de las pancreatitis agudas, en la edad pediátrica. Se realizó un estudio descriptivo y transversal, para determinar la etiología y la evolución en menores de 18 años con diagnóstico de PR entre 2008-2016 en el Hospital Garrahan. Se incluyeron 10 pacientes, el 90 % de sexo femenino. La mediana de edad fue de 11 años. La mediana del número de episodios fue de nueve. La ecografía abdominal y/o la colangioresonancia iniciales mostraron hallazgos patológicos en cuatro pacientes. De los seis pacientes con estudios iniciales normales, tres desarrollaron signos de pancreatitis crónica (PC), uno con estenosis del Wirsung sugestiva de pancreatitis autoinmune. El 40 % de los pacientes tuvo diagnóstico etiológico. En el seguimiento, tres pacientes con pancreatitis idiopática desarrollaron PC. Los factores genéticos podrían jugar un papel en los casos considerados idiopáticos.

Recurrent pancreatitis (RP) occurs in children between 15-35 % of the cases. To determine the etiology and outcome of RP in children a descriptive, cross-sectional cohort study was conducted in children under 18 years of age with RP seen at Hospital Garrahan between 2008-2016. Of 10 patients with RP, 90 % were girls. Median age of the diagnoses of RP was 11. Median number of episodes was 9. Initial abdominal ultrasonography and/or magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography were abnormal in four patients. Of six patients with normal studies at onset, three developed signs of chronic pancreatitis (CP) and one stenosis of the duct of Wirsung suggestive of autoimmune pancreatitis. In 40 % of our patients, the etiology was determined. On follow-up, three patients with idiopathic pancreatitis developed CP. Genetic factors may play a role in patients considered to have idiopathic pancreatitis.

[Recurrent pancreatitis in children: Case series]. / Pancreatitis recurrente en pediatría: serie de casos.

Recurrent pancreatitis (RP) occurs in children between 15- 35 % of the cases. To determine the etiology and outcome of RP in children a descriptive, cross-sectional cohort study was conducted in children under 18 years of age with RP seen at Hospital Garrahan between 2008-2016. Of 10 patients with RP, 90 % were girls. Median age of the diagnoses of RP was 11. Median number of episodes was 9. Initial abdominal ultrasonography and/or magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography were abnormal in four patients. Of six patients with normal studies at onset, three developed signs of chronic pancreatitis (CP) and one stenosis of the duct of Wirsung suggestive of autoimmune pancreatitis. In 40 % of our patients, the etiology was determined. On follow-up, three patients with idiopathic pancreatitis developed CP. Genetic factors may play a role in patients considered to have idiopathic pancreatitis.

La pancreatitis recurrente (PR) ocurre en el 15-36 % de las pancreatitis agudas, en la edad pediátrica. Se realizó un estudio descriptivo y transversal, para determinar la etiología y la evolución en menores de 18 años con diagnóstico de PR entre 2008-2016 en el Hospital Garrahan. Se incluyeron 10 pacientes, el 90 % de sexo femenino. La mediana de edad fue de 11 años. La mediana del número de episodios fue de nueve. La ecografía abdominal y/o la colangioresonancia iniciales mostraron hallazgos patológicos en cuatro pacientes. De los seis pacientes con estudios iniciales normales, tres desarrollaron signos de pancreatitis crónica (PC), uno con estenosis del Wirsung sugestiva de pancreatitis autoinmune. El 40 % de los pacientes tuvo diagnóstico etiológico. En el seguimiento, tres pacientes con pancreatitis idiopática desarrollaron PC. Los factores genéticos podrían jugar un papel en los casos considerados idiopáticos.

Comparison of idiopathic recurrent acute pancreatitis [IRAP] and recurrent acute pancreatitis with genetic mutations.

BACKGROUND: Idiopathic recurrent acute pancreatitis (IRAP) describes frequent episodes of pancreatitis without an etiology found using current testing. We compared the natural history of IRAP with recurrent acute pancreatitis with genetic mutations. METHODS: Retrospective cohort of patients with recurrent acute pancreatitis (≥2 episodes) and negative conventional testing. All patients had ≥1 episode after cholecystectomy and completed genetic testing. Primary outcomes were chronic pancreatitis incidence, pancreatic cancer, and mortality. Secondary outcomes included opioid and ERCP utilization. RESULTS: 128 patients met criteria for presumed IRAP. 35 patients met criteria for true IRAP. 12 patients had recurrent acute pancreatitis with gene mutations. Chronic pancreatitis developed in 27 (77.1%) IRAP patients over a median of 6 years. Chronic pancreatitis incidence was similar in IRAP and CFTR mutation carriers; but developed later in SPINK1 carriers. No patients developed pancreatic cancer or died from pancreatic-related causes. Patients were frequently treated with oral opioids and ERCP, without significant differences within or between groups. CONCLUSION: IRAP and pancreatitis in mutation carriers is associated with chronic pancreatitis. Important differences in natural history were observed, but no association was found with cancer or pancreas-related mortality. Efforts to understand the genetic contributions to IRAP, minimize opioids and unnecessary ERCPs are encouraged.