Delayed-Onset Transient Hyperinsulinism in Infants with Very Low and Extremely Low Birth Weights: A Cohort Study.

We describe 16 infants born preterm with birth weights <1500 g and transient hyperinsulinism. The onset of hyperinsulinism was delayed and often coincident with clinical stabilization. We hypothesize that postnatal stress caused by prematurity and associated problems may contribute to development of delayed-onset transient hyperinsulinism.

[Diagnosis and treatment of pancreatic trauma]. / Diagnóstico y tratamiento del traumatismo de páncreas.

Pancreatic trauma is a rare but potentially lethal entity which requires a high level of clinical suspicion. Early diagnosis and assessment of the integrity of the pancreatic duct are essential since ductal injury is a crucial predictor of morbimortality. Overall mortality is 19%, which can rise to 30% in cases of ductal injury. The diagnostic and therapeutic approach is multidisciplinary and guided by a surgeon, imaging specialist and ICU physician. Laboratory analysis shows that pancreatic enzymes are frequently elevated, which is a low specificity finding. In hemodynamically stable patients, the posttraumatic condition of the pancreas is firstly evaluated by the multidetector computed tomography. Moreover, in case of suspicion of ductal injury, more sensitive studies such as Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography or cholangioresonance are needed. This narrative review aims to analyze the etiopathogenesis and pathophysiology of pancreatic trauma and discuss its diagnosis and treatment. Also, the most clinically relevant complications will be summarized.

Hidatidosis pancreática en una niña de 5 años / Pancreatic echinococcosis in a 5-year-old girl

La hidatidosis pancreática representa el 0,2-0,6 % de los casos, siendo la población pediátrica la de mayor riesgo. Las lesiones suelen localizarse en cabeza del páncreas (50-58 %); la localización en cuerpo y cola del páncreas se encuentra en el 24-34 % y el 19 %, respectivamente. Dada la posibilidad de complicaciones, suele realizarse tratamiento quirúrgico. Se sugiriere indicar albendazol antes y después del acto quirúrgico por los riesgos de ruptura y diseminación de los protoescólices. Se presenta el caso de una niña de 5 años de edad con dolor abdominal progresivo y lesión quística en páncreas compatible con hidatidosis en la ultrasonografía. En la tomografía computada se observa compresión de la vía biliar. La hemoaglutinación indirecta fue negativa. Presentó elevación de la bilirrubina total, con franco predominio de bilirrubina directa, y aumento de enzimas hepáticas. Se realizó laparotomía exploradora, colecistectomía y destechamiento del quiste. Evolucionó favorablemente, continuó con albendazol durante 3 meses luego de la cirugía.

Pancreatic echinococcosis accounts for 0.2­0.6% of cases, with the pediatric population being at a higher risk. Most commonly, pancreatic lesions occur in the head of the pancreas (50­58%); and in the body and tail in 24­34% and 19% of cases, respectively. Given the potential complications, surgery is usually performed. Albendazole is recommended before and after the surgery due to the risks for rupture and dissemination of protoscolices. Here we describe the case of a 5-year-old girl with progressive abdominal pain and cystic lesion in the pancreas compatible with echinococcosis in the ultrasound. The computed tomography showed bile duct compression. Indirect hemagglutination was negative. She had elevated total bilirubin, with a clear predominance of direct bilirubin, and high liver enzymes. Exploratory laparotomy, cholecystectomy, and unroofing of the cyst were performed. The patient had a favorable course and continued with albendazole for 3 months after the surgery.

Pancreatic echinococcosis in a 5-year-old girl. / Hidatidosis pancreática en una niña de 5 años.

Pancreatic echinococcosis accounts for 0.2-0.6% of cases, with the pediatric population being at a higher risk. Most commonly, pancreatic lesions occur in the head of the pancreas (50-58%); and in the body and tail in 24-34% and 19% of cases, respectively. Given the potential complications, surgery is usually performed. Albendazole is recommended before and after the surgery due to the risks for rupture and dissemination of protoscolices. Here we describe the case of a 5-year-old girl with progressive abdominalpain and cystic lesion in the pancreas compatible with echinococcosis in the ultrasound. The computed tomography showed bile duct compression. Indirect hemagglutination was negative. She had elevated total bilirubin, with a clear predominance of direct bilirubin, and high liver enzymes. Exploratory laparotomy, cholecystectomy, and unroofing of the cyst were performed. The patient had a favorable course and continued with albendazole for 3 months after the surgery.

La hidatidosis pancreática representa el 0,2-0,6 % de los casos, siendo la población pediátrica la de mayor riesgo. Las lesiones suelen localizarse en cabeza del páncreas (50-58 %); la localización en cuerpo y cola del páncreas se encuentra en el 24-34 % y el 19 %, respectivamente. Dada la posibilidad de complicaciones, suele realizarse tratamiento quirúrgico. Se sugiriere indicar albendazol antes y después del acto quirúrgico por los riesgos de ruptura y diseminación de los protoescólices. Se presenta el caso de una niña de 5 años de edad con dolor abdominal progresivo y lesión quística en páncreas compatible con hidatidosis en la ultrasonografía. En la tomografía computada se observa compresión de la vía biliar. La hemoaglutinación indirecta fue negativa. Presentó elevación de la bilirrubina total, con franco predominio de bilirrubina directa, y aumento de enzimas hepáticas. Se realizó laparotomía exploradora, colecistectomía y destechamiento del quiste. Evolucionó favorablemente, continuó con albendazol durante 3 meses luego de la cirugía.

Pancreatic steatosis: A frequent finding in a Chilean population.

INTRODUCTION AND AIMS: Pancreatic steatosis is an incidental radiologic finding in asymptomatic patients, and its clinical importance is unclear. PRIMARY AIM: to study the prevalence of pancreatic steatosis (PS) in consecutive patients registered at our hospital, that underwent computed axial tomography (CAT) scanning of the abdomen and pelvis, excluding known pancreatic diseases. Secondary aim: to review the association of PS with the demographic and clinical data of the patients, as well as with hepatic steatosis (HS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: An observational study was conducted on adult patients that had CAT scans of the abdomen and pelvis. DEFINITIONS: a) tissue density was measured in Hounsfield units (HU) in five 1 cm2 areas of the pancreas, three areas of the spleen, and in segments VI and VII of the liver; b) fatty pancreas: a difference < -10 HU between the mean pancreas and mean spleen densities; and c) fatty liver: density < 40 HU. We registered the epidemiologic and laboratory data of the patients. The association of those factors with the presence of PS was analyzed using SPSS version 24.0 software, and statistical significance was set at a p < 0.05. RESULTS: Of the 203 patients, PS was found in 61 (30%). The patients with PS were significantly older and had a higher body mass index. We found no significant association with the rest of the parameters studied, nor with HS (55 patients). None of the patients had symptoms attributable to a disease of the exocrine pancreas. CONCLUSIONS: Fatty infiltration of the pancreas is a frequent finding in CAT scans, and its clinical importance is unclear. Aging of the population and the increase in obesity underline the need for future studies on PS.

Pharmacologic management of patients with hepatic and pancreatic diseases that involve immunosuppressive therapies. Position statement within the framework of the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic. / Manejo farmacológico de pacientes con enfermedades hepáticas y pancreáticas que involucran terapias inmunosupresoras. Posicionamiento en el marco de la pandemia de SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19).

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus. COVID-19 affected more than 6million persons worldwide in fewer than 4 months, after the report of the first cases in China in December 2019. The relation of the disease caused by SARS-Cov-2 to immunosuppressive treatment used in different gastrointestinal disorders is uncertain, resulting in debate with regard to suspending immunosuppressive therapy to improve infection outcome. Said suspension implies the inherent risk for graft rejection or autoimmune disease exacerbation that can potentially worsen the course of the infection. Based on the presently available evidence, a treatment stance has been established for patients with gastrointestinal diseases that require immunosuppressive therapy.

Prediabetes and Type 2 Diabetes are Independent Risk Factors for Computed Tomography-Estimated Nonalcoholic Fatty Pancreas Disease.

OBJECTIVES: Nonalcoholic fatty pancreas disease (NAFPD) is characterized by excessive fat deposition in the pancreas in the absence of alcohol consumption. In this study, we aimed to detect a possible relationship between adipose tissue accumulation, prediabetes and diabetes. METHODS: This cross-sectional and retrospective study included 110 patients. Three groups were classified as controls, patients with prediabetes and patients with type 2 diabetes. The abdominal computed tomography (CT) attenuation measurement results of the pancreas were evaluated independently by two experienced radiologists. CT measurements and biochemical parameters were compared between study groups. The relationship between continuous variables was assessed by using one-way ANOVA. To determine the changes in the dependent variable for the effects on study groups, the independent variable was adjusted using ANCOVA. A p-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: The presence of prediabetes and type 2 diabetes was correlated with a decrease in the mean Hounsfield Unit (HU) value of the pancreas (p=0.002). Age was determined to be an independent risk factor and was correlated with NAFPD (p=0.0001). When compared to the controls (p=0.041), 71% of patients with prediabetes and 67% of patients with type 2 diabetes were observed to have an increased incidence of NAFPD. Decreased serum amylase was found to be correlated with the mean HU value of the pancreas (p=0.043). CONCLUSION: NAFPD was independently correlated with both prediabetes and type 2 diabetes adjusted for age (p=0.0001) in this study. Additionally, age was determined to be an independent risk factor and was correlated with NAFPD.

Annular pancreas, cause of abdominal pain: Case report / Páncreas anular, causa de dolor abdominal. Reporte de caso

Background: Annular pancreas is a congenital abnormality which causes duodenal obstruction in neonates. It befalls upon 1 patient amongst every 12 000-15 000 newborns. It often appears in adulthood. Clinical traits include abdominal pain, intestinal obstruction, vomiting, and pancreatitis. The diagnosis requires image studies and surgical exploration. Clinical case: Female patient, 11 years of age, presenting intermittent chronic abdominal pain, underweight for her age. Treated by a private physician with ranitidine (4 mg/kg/day) and ibuprofen (5 mg/kg/dose) orally, for one month, due to acid-peptic disease. On December 31, 2017, she was attended at Pediatric Emergency presenting epigastric pain, and nausea. She vomited bile contents 4 times over a 24 hour span. Other symptoms included painful reaction to epigastric palpation, positive pancreatic points, negative Murphy's sign, no hepatomegaly or splenomegaly, decreased peristaltic noises. Reported: amylase 2163 U/L, lipase 821 U/L, lactic dehydrogenase 461 U/L. Pancreatic ultrasound: 19.3 mm head, 23.2 mm body and 10 mm tail. She was admitted to pediatrics, where the annular pancreas condition was confirmed through ultrasound and computed tomography scan. She then underwent conservative treatment. Conclusion: The patient displayed typical annular pancreas symptoms. Image studies were key to the diagnosis.

Introducción: el páncreas anular es una anomalía congénita que causa obstrucción duodenal en el neonato. Se reporta en 1 por cada 12 000-15 000 recién nacidos, a menudo se revela en la edad adulta. Clínicamente incluye obstrucción intestinal, dolor abdominal, vómitos y puntos pancreáticos positivos. El diagnóstico requiere estudios de imagenología y exploración quirúrgica. Caso clínico: paciente del sexo femenino, de 11 años de edad, con dolor abdominal crónico intermitente, de bajo peso para su edad. Tratada por médico privado con ranitidina (4 mg/kg/día) e ibuprofeno (5 mg/kg/dosis) vía oral, durante un mes, por enfermedad acido-péptica. El 31 de diciembre del 2017 fue atendida en urgencias pediátricas, por dolor en epigastrio, náuseas y vómitos de contenido gastrobiliar en número de 4 en 24 horas. Abdomen doloroso a la palpación en epigastrio, puntos pancreáticos positivos, Murphy negativo, sin hepatomegalia ni esplenomegalia, ruidos peristálticos disminuidos. Se reportó: amilasa 2163 U/L, lipasa 821 U/L, deshidrogenasa láctica 461 U/L. Ultrasonido de páncreas: cabeza de 19.3 mm, cuerpo de 23.2 mm y cola de 10 mm. Fue internada en pediatría, confirmándose páncreas anular por ultrasonido y tomografía; recibió tratamiento conservador. Conclusión: la paciente presentó síntomas típicos del páncreas anular, su estudio mediante imágenes fue decisivo para establecer el diagnóstico.

Pancreatic endosonographic findings and clinical correlation in Crohn's disease.

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to evaluate the incidence of pancreatic alterations in Crohn's disease using endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) and to correlate the number of alterations with current clinical data. METHODS: Patients diagnosed with Crohn's disease (n=51) were examined using EUS, and 11 variables were analyzed. A control group consisted of patients with no history of pancreatic disease or Crohn's disease. Patients presenting with three or more alterations underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Pancreatic function was determined using a fecal elastase assay. RESULTS: Two of the 51 patients (3.9%) presented with four EUS alterations, 3 (5.9%) presented with three, 11 (21.5%) presented with two, and 13 (25.5%) presented with one; in the control group, only 16% presented with one EUS alteration (p<0.001). Parenchymal abnormalities accounted for 39 of the EUS findings, and ductal abnormalities accounted for 11. Pancreatic lesions were not detected by MRI. Low fecal elastase levels were observed in 4 patients, none of whom presented with significant pancreatic alterations after undergoing EUS. Ileal involvement was predictive of the number of EUS alterations. CONCLUSION: A higher incidence of pancreatic abnormalities was found in patients with Crohn's disease than in individuals in the control group. The majority of these abnormalities are related to parenchymal alterations. In this group of patients, future studies should be conducted to determine whether such morphological abnormalities could evolve to induce exocrine or endocrine pancreatic insufficiency and, if so, identify the risk factors and determine which patients should undergo EUS.

Prediabetes and type 2 diabetes are independent risk factors for computed tomography-estimated nonalcoholic fatty pancreas disease

OBJECTIVES: Nonalcoholic fatty pancreas disease (NAFPD) is characterized by excessive fat deposition in the pancreas in the absence of alcohol consumption. In this study, we aimed to detect a possible relationship between adipose tissue accumulation, prediabetes and diabetes. METHODS: This cross-sectional and retrospective study included 110 patients. Three groups were classified as controls, patients with prediabetes and patients with type 2 diabetes. The abdominal computed tomography (CT) attenuation measurement results of the pancreas were evaluated independently by two experienced radiologists. CT measurements and biochemical parameters were compared between study groups. The relationship between continuous variables was assessed by using one-way ANOVA. To determine the changes in the dependent variable for the effects on study groups, the independent variable was adjusted using ANCOVA. A p-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: The presence of prediabetes and type 2 diabetes was correlated with a decrease in the mean Hounsfield Unit (HU) value of the pancreas (p=0.002). Age was determined to be an independent risk factor and was correlated with NAFPD (p=0.0001). When compared to the controls (p=0.041), 71% of patients with prediabetes and 67% of patients with type 2 diabetes were observed to have an increased incidence of NAFPD. Decreased serum amylase was found to be correlated with the mean HU value of the pancreas (p=0.043). CONCLUSION: NAFPD was independently correlated with both prediabetes and type 2 diabetes adjusted for age (p=0.0001) in this study. Additionally, age was determined to be an independent risk factor and was correlated with NAFPD.

Pancreatic endosonographic findings and clinical correlation in Crohn's disease

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to evaluate the incidence of pancreatic alterations in Crohn's disease using endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) and to correlate the number of alterations with current clinical data. METHODS: Patients diagnosed with Crohn's disease (n=51) were examined using EUS, and 11 variables were analyzed. A control group consisted of patients with no history of pancreatic disease or Crohn's disease. Patients presenting with three or more alterations underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Pancreatic function was determined using a fecal elastase assay. RESULTS: Two of the 51 patients (3.9%) presented with four EUS alterations, 3 (5.9%) presented with three, 11 (21.5%) presented with two, and 13 (25.5%) presented with one; in the control group, only 16% presented with one EUS alteration (p<0.001). Parenchymal abnormalities accounted for 39 of the EUS findings, and ductal abnormalities accounted for 11. Pancreatic lesions were not detected by MRI. Low fecal elastase levels were observed in 4 patients, none of whom presented with significant pancreatic alterations after undergoing EUS. Ileal involvement was predictive of the number of EUS alterations. CONCLUSION: A higher incidence of pancreatic abnormalities was found in patients with Crohn's disease than in individuals in the control group. The majority of these abnormalities are related to parenchymal alterations. In this group of patients, future studies should be conducted to determine whether such morphological abnormalities could evolve to induce exocrine or endocrine pancreatic insufficiency and, if so, identify the risk factors and determine which patients should undergo EUS.

[Risk factors for hyperechogenic páncreas in ecoendoscopy: study of cases and controls]. / Factores de riesgo para páncreas hiperecogénico en ecoendoscopía: estudio de casos y controles.

OBJECTIVE: To identify through ecoendoscopy (EE) hyperecogenic pancreas and to determinate risk factors for it in a sample of patients evaluated between June 2005 and May 2010. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Cases and controls study, retrospective observational study, in a population of 5,495 patients; from them 989 were selected as cases (with an increase of partial or global ecogenicity of the pancreas) and 642 controls (with a normal pancreatic ecopattern). Demographical, clinical and ecoendoscopical variables from both groups were compared; OR were calculated with their 95%CI, after bivariate and multivariate risk factors analyses. RESULTS: In the studied population, identified risk factors, mostly associated at the multivariate analyses, included: liver steatosis (OR=29.581; 95%CI 17.942-48.770), mixed hepatopathy (OR=10.724; 95%CI 1.634-70.378), hypothyroidism (OR=8.381; 95%CI 2.067-33.977) and smoking (OR=2.790; 95%CI 1.036-7.515). Other factors were: chronic hepatopathy, family history of diabetes mellitus and high blood pressure, age and body mass index. CONCLUSIONS: There are few studies regard the identification of risk factors for pancreatic steatosis using EE. Current findings are similar with others recently reported in other countries, where liver steatosis is a predictor to find hyperecogenic pancreas at the EE (OR=29). However, this study found an association two-fold higher than that previously reported. In addition, is clear that in this study there are multiple factors associated with the finding of hyperecogenic pancreas that should be considered.

Factores de riesgo para páncreas hiperecogénico en ecoendoscopía: estudio de casos y controles / Risk factors for hipoerecogenic páncreas in ecoendoscopy: study of cases and controls

Objetivo: Identificar con ecoendoscopía (EE) páncreas hiperecogénico y determinar factores de riesgo para el mismo en una muestra de pacientes evaluados entre Junio 2005-Mayo 2010. Material y métodos: Estudio de casos y controles, retrospectivo, en una población de 5495 pacientes evaluados, de los cuales se seleccionaron 989 como casos (con un aumento de ecogenicidad parcial o global del páncreas) y 642 controles (con ecopatrón pancreático normal). Se compararon variables demográficas, clínicas y ecoendoscópicas entre ambos grupos de estudios y se calcularon OR y sus correspondiente IC95% después de realizar análisis bivariado y multivariado de los factores de riesgo. Resultados: En la población evaluada, los factores de riesgo identificados con mayor fuerza de asociación en el análisis multivariado fueron esteatosis hepática (OR=29,581; IC95% 17,942-48,770), hepatopatía mixta (OR=10,724; IC95% 1,634-70,378), hipotiroidismo (OR=8,381; IC95% 2,067-33,977) y tabaquismo (OR=2,790; IC95% 1,036-7,515). Otros factores asociados en menor magnitud fueron: hepatopatía crónica, antecedentes familiares de diabetes mellitus e hipertensión arterial, edad e índice de masa corporal. Conclusiones: Existen escasos estudios que hayan identificado factores de riesgo para esteatosis pancreática empleando EE. Los hallazgos encontrados concuerdan con lo reportado recientemente en otros estudios internacionales donde la esteatosis hepática fue el predictor de mayor fuerza para encontrar en la EE páncreas hiperecogénico (OR=29). Sin embargo, el presente estudio encontró una asociación dos veces mayor a la previamente reportada. En adición a ello se observa claramente que en el presente estudio existen múltiples factores asociados al hallazgo de páncreas hiperecogénico que deben ser tomados en cuenta.

Objective: To identify through ecoendoscopy (EE) hyperecogenic pancreas and to determinate risk factors for it in a sample of patients evaluated between June 2005 and May 2010. Material and methods: Cases and controls study, retrospective observational study, in a population of 5,495 patients; from them 989 were selected as cases (with an increase of partial or global ecogenicity of the pancreas) and 642 controls (with a normal pancreatic ecopattern). Demographical, clinical and ecoendoscopical variables from both groups were compared; OR were calculated with their 95%CI, after bivariate and multivariate risk factors analyses. Results: In the studied population, identified risk factors, mostly associated at the multivariate analyses, included: liver steatosis (OR=29.581; 95%CI 17.942-48.770), mixed hepatopathy (OR=10.724; 95%CI 1.63470.378), hypothyroidism (OR=8.381; 95%CI 2.067-33.977) and smoking (OR=2.790; 95%CI 1.036-7.515). Other factors were: chronic hepatopathy, family history of diabetes mellitus and high blood pressure, age and body mass index. Conclusions: There are few studies regard the identification of risk factors for pancreatic steatosis using EE. Current findings are similar with others recently reported in other countries, where liver steatosis is a predictor to find hyperecogenic pancreas at the EE (OR=29). However, this study found an association two-fold higher than that previously reported. In addition, is clear that in this study there are multiple factors associated with the finding of hyperecogenic pancreas that should be considered.

[Intrapancreatic mechanical lithotripsy: report and review of the literature of a case in a patient with chronic pancreatitis and lithiasis of Wirsung's duct]. / Litotripsia mecánica intrapancreática en un paciente con pancreatitis crónica y litiasis del conducto de Wirsung: reporte de un caso y revisión de la literatura.

The case of a 34 year-old woman with multiple lithiasis of Wirsung's duct who underwent a modified Puestow's operation is presented. Two (2) months after the surgery, the patient entered with a severe pain chart compatible with acute pancreatitis as a result of chronic pancreatitis. A very large lithiasis is observed in the head of the pancreas. Therapeutic procedure, pancreatic sphincterotomy and mechanical lithotripsy are performed. The procedure is described and the literature is reviewed.

[Pancreatic cancer and peripancreatic tuberculous lymphadenitis, a case report and literature review]. / Cáncer de páncreas y linfadenitis tuberculosa peripancreática. Reporte de un caso y revisión de la literatura.

Pancreatic tuberculosis and peripancreatic tuberculous lymphadenitis are rare conditions mainly affecting young women, and often occur in endemic areas and immunocompromised patients. The presentation of this condition could be similar to a malign neoplasm. However, coexistence of both pathologies is still very rare and just one case has been reported. A case of synchronism of peripancreatic tuberculous lymphadenitis and pancreatic adenocarcinoma in a 79-year-old woman is presented.