No role for protease inhibitors as a mitigation strategy for postpancreatectomy acute pancreatitis (PPAP): Propensity score matching analysis.

BACKGROUND: While the use of protease inhibitor gabexate mesylate (GM) is still controversial in acute pancreatitis, it has never been tested for postpancreatectomy acute pancreatitis (PPAP). This study aims to assess the impact of GM on postoperative serum hyperamylasaemia (POH) or PPAP after pancreatoduodenectomy (PD). METHODS: Consecutive patients developing POH after PD between 2016 and 2021 were included. According to GM administration, patients were divided into GM-treated and control (CTR) groups. GM was administered from postoperative day 1-3 in POH patients who underwent surgery before 2017. A 2:1 propensity matching was used to minimize the risk of bias. RESULTS: Overall, 264 patients with POH were stratified in the GM (59 patients) and CTR (104 patients) cohorts, which showed balanced baseline characteristics after matching. No difference in postoperative complications was observed between the groups (all p > 0.05), except for PPAP occurrence, which was significantly higher in the GM group (37% vs. 22%, p = 0.037). A total of 45 patients (28%) evolved to PPAP. Comparing PPAP patients in the GM and CTR groups, no significant differences in POPF, relaparotomy, and mortality (all p > 0.09) were found. No difference in intravenous crystalloid administration was found in patients with PPAP, whether or not they developed major complications or pancreatic fistula (p > 0.05) CONCLUSION: Protease inhibitor seems ineffective in preventing a PPAP after PD once a POH has occurred. Further studies are needed to achieve benchmarks for treating PPAP and identify mitigation strategies to prevent the evolution of POH into additional morbidity.

Nafamostat mesilate for prevention of post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis based on prospective, randomized, and controlled trials.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the efficacy of nafamostat mesilate in the prevention of post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis (PEP) by conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis. METHOD: We retrieved for all randomized controlled trials (RCTs) about compare nafamostat mesilate with placebo in preventing PEP published before August 23, 2022, in 5 major electronic databases. The primary outcome was PEP rate, and the secondary outcome was post-ERCP hyperamylasemia (PEHA) rate. Subgroup analyses were performed to reveal the factors that may affect the preventive effect of nafamostat. Assessment of the quality of evidence was conducted based on Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations (GRADE) system. RESULTS: According to the search strategy and criteria of inclusion and exclusion, 8 articles with a number of 3210 patients were included. The PEP incidence of the nafamostat group was inferior compared with the placebo group (4.6% vs 8.5%, RR = 0.50, 95% CI: 0.38-0.66). Subgroup analyses revealed that nafamostat had a preventive effect on patients with different risk stratification (High-risk: RR = 0.61, 95% CI: 0.43-0.86, Low-risk: RR = 0.28; 95% CI: 0.17-0.47). Different doses (20 mg: RR = 0.50, 95% CI: 0.36-0.69, 50 mg: RR = 0.45, 95% CI: 0.27-0.74) and duration (<12 hour: RR = 0.55, 95% CI: 0.37-0.81, ≥12 h: RR = 0.44, 95% CI: 0.29-0.66) of administration of nafamostat are adequate for the prevention of PEP, but postoperative administration may not help (preoperative: RR = 0.52, 95% CI: 0.39-0.69, postoperative: RR = 0.54, 95% CI: 0.23-1.23). Nafamostat may not efficacious in preventing severe PEP (Mild: RR = 0.49, 95% CI, 0.35-0.68, Moderate: RR = 0.47, 95% CI: 0.25-0.86, Severe: RR = 0.91, 95% CI, 0.25-3.29) or in low-quality studies (Low-quality: RR = 0.69, 95% CI: 0.13-3.60, High-quality: RR = 0.49, 95% CI: 0.37-0.65). CONCLUSION: Preoperative use of nafamostat can effectively prevent PEP in patients with various risk stratification. Nafamostat can prevent mild and moderate PEP, but may not prevent severe PEP and PEHA. There should be more high-quality RCTs in future to strengthen the evidence of nafamostat in preventing PEP.

Effects of Somatostatin and Indomethacin Mono or Combination Therapy on High-risk Hyperamylasemia and Post-pancreatitis Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography Patients: A Randomized Study.

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is a minimally invasive technique widely used to diagnose and treat pancreatic and biliary diseases; however, it is linked with imminent hyperamylasemia and post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP). Somatostatin and indomethacin are the classic recommended drugs used for PEP prevention. OBJECTIVE: To elucidate the effects of somatostatin and indomethacin mono or in combination to prevent hyperamylasemia and PEP in high-risk individuals. METHODS: Altogether 1458 patients who underwent ERCP in our hospital from January 2016 to May 2022 were included in this investigation and categorized into 4 groups based on the treatment regimen: placebo, indomethacin, somatostatin, and indomethacin + somatostatin. The pre operation and post operation (at 6, 12, and 24 h) hospitalization cost, length of stay, the occurrence of hyperamylasemia and PEP, levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-8, and VAS pain score were determined in the 4 groups. In all the groups, VAS and IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-8 levels substantially increased in the pretreatment and decreased sequentially from 6 to 24 h post operation. The individuals in the indomethacin revealed substantially reduced hyperamylasemia, VAS, and levels of IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-8, 6 h post operation, whereas the hospitalization fee, length of stay, PEP incidence, VAS, levels of IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-8, 12 and 24 h post operation were not statistically important in comparison with the individuals who received placebo therapy. The somatostatin and the indomethacin + somatostatin groups indicated markedly alleviated hospitalization fee, length of stay, the occurrence of hyperamylasemia and PEP, VAS, and the levels of IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-8 at 6, 12, and 24 h post operation compared with the placebo cohort. Furthermore, compared with the indomethacin group, the above-determined factors notably reduced at 6, 12, and 24 h post operation in somatostatin and indomethacin + somatostatin groups. It was also observed that the indomethacin + somatostatin group has substantially decreased the occurrence of hyperamylasemia, VAS score, and levels of IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-8, 6 hours post operation, while at 12 and 24 h post operation, the hospitalization fee, length of stay and incidence of PEP, VAS, levels of IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-8 were not statistically important compared with the somatostatin group. It is also worth noting that the side effects of both drugs are rare and mild. RESULTS: For high-risk PEP patients, indomethacin and somatostatin can efficiently alleviate post-operative hyperamylasemia and improve their life standard within 6 hours and 24 hours, respectively. Indomethacin is suitable for individuals who underwent simple, short-duration ERCP with expected mild post-operative abdominal pain, whereas somatostatin is given to patients with complicated, long-duration ERCP and expected severe post-operative abdominal pain. Their combinational therapy produces a synergistic effect and can reduce the incidence of hyperamylasemia, thereby improving patients' quality of life within 6 h and is also effective against individuals who received a more complicated, longer-duration ERCP and were expected to have severer and longer post-operative abdominal pain.

Acute pancreatitis after pancreatoduodenectomy: A prospective study of diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging, serum biomarkers, and clinical features.

BACKGROUND: Postpancreatectomy acute pancreatitis is challenging to diagnose and poorly characterized in its early phases. However, it represents the ideal target for novel therapeutic opportunities possibly gleaned from medical acute pancreatitis. This study aims to systematically investigate early radiologic, biochemical, and clinical features of postpancreatectomy acute pancreatitis. METHODS: This was a prospective observational study of patients undergoing pancreatoduodenectomy from September 2019 to January 2021. Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging was performed on postoperative day 3. Serum pancreatic amylase and lipase were assessed daily until postoperative day 5. Postoperative serum hyperamylasemia and postpancreatectomy acute pancreatitis were defined based on the International Study Group for Pancreatic Surgery definition. RESULTS: A total of 65 patients were enrolled according to the sample size calculation. Patients with postoperative serum hyperamylasemia and postpancreatectomy acute pancreatitis had significantly lower apparent diffusion coefficient values at diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging but no macroscopic features consistent with acute pancreatitis. Subsequently, 21 patients (32.3%) underwent computed tomography imaging for clinical worsening, and 6 had radiologic features of acute pancreatitis. All these latter patients had postoperative serum hyperamylasemia and worse outcomes, characterized by local (postoperative pancreatic fistula: 83%) and systemic morbidity (sepsis: 66.7%). The postoperative serum hyperamylasemia incidence was 21.5% (n = 14), and postpancreatectomy acute pancreatitis occurred in 6 patients (9.2%), with 4 grade B (6.1%) and 2 grade C (3%). CONCLUSION: Postpancreatectomy acute pancreatitis is characterized by early serum hyperamylasemia and hyperlipasemia. Although pancreatic changes may appear at postoperative day 3 diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging, its standard use has no impact on postoperative management. Macroscopic radiologic features appear later and correlate with worse clinical scenarios. This paper paves the ground for including postpancreatectomy acute pancreatitis in the spectrum of acute pancreatitis, promoting the transfer of treatment strategies for acute pancreatitis into managing postpancreatectomy acute pancreatitis.

Postoperative Serum Hyperamylasemia Adds Sequential Value to the Fistula Risk Score in Predicting Pancreatic Fistula after Pancreatoduodenectomy.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether postoperative serum hyperamylasemia (POH), with drain fluid amylase (DFA) and C-reactive protein (CRP), improves the Fistula Risk Score (FRS) accuracy in assessing the risk of a postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF). SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: The FRS predicts POPF occurrence using intraoperative predictors with good accuracy but intrinsic limits. METHODS: Outcomes of patients who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomies between 2016 and 2021 were evaluated across FRS-risk zones and POH occurrence. POH consists of serum amylase activity greater than the upper limit of normal (52 U/l), persisting within the first 48 hours postoperatively (postoperative day -POD- 1 and 2). RESULTS: Out of 905 pancreaticoduodenectomies, some FRS elements, namely soft pancreatic texture (odds ratio (OR) 11.6), pancreatic duct diameter (OR 0.80), high-risk pathologic diagnosis (OR 1.54), but not higher blood loss (OR 0.99), were associated with POH. POH was an independent predictor of POPF, which occurred in 46.8% of POH cases ( P <0.001). Once POH occurs, POPF incidence rises from 3.8% to 42.9%, 22.9% to 41.7%, and 48.9% to 59.2% in patients intraoperatively classified at low, moderate and high FRS risk, respectively. The predictive ability of multivariable models adding POD 1 drain fluid amylase, POD 1-2 POH and POD 3 C-reactive protein to the FRS showed progressively and significantly higher accuracy (AUC FRS=0.82, AUC FRS-DFA=0.85, AUC FRS-DFA-POH=0.87, AUC FRS-DFA-POH-CRP=0.90, DeLong always P <0.05). CONCLUSIONS: POPF risk assessment should follow a dynamic process. The stepwise retrieval of early, postoperative biological markers improves clinical risk stratification by increasing the granularity of POPF risk estimates and affords a possible therapeutic window before the actual morbidity of POPF occurs.

The Incidence of Acute Pancreatitis After Device Assisted Enteroscopy: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Background: The diagnosis of small bowel diseases is challenging and device assisted enteroscopy (DAE) is a technique for visualizing the entire small bowel. DAE is considered as a safe procedure and the reported rate of adverse events associated with DAE in the literature is low. Objective: The present study tried to investigate the actual incidence of AP after DAE with a systematic review and meta-analysis of available relevant studies. Methods: Studies were searched through the PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane library databases. The following data were extracted from all eligible studies: author, country, publication year, publication type, study design, type of DAE used, route of DAE, number of patients with AP after DAE, and number of patients with hyperamylasemia after DAE.A random-effects model with RStudio version 4.2.0 was performed in all analyses. Heterogeneity was assessed using the I2 test. The risk of bias was assessed by the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale criteria and the publication bias was assessed by the Egger test. Results: Twenty three studies involving a total of 11145 patients were included in the analysis. The overall, pooled AP rate after DAE was 1% (95% CI:0-1%). There was significant heterogeneity among the studies (I2 = 65%; P < 0.01).The pooled AP rate was 1% (95% CI:0-2 %)in peroral route group. The pooled proportion of patients having hyperamylasemia after DAE was 29% (95% CI: 16-46%).Among the patients who had hyperamylasemia AP were identified in 2% (95% CI: 0-6%) of patients. Conclusion: The incidence of AP after DAE is about 1%. Hyperamylasemia is a common change in the patients undergoing DAE and only 2% of the patients with hyperamylasemia present with AP.

Postoperative serum hyperamylasemia (POH) predicts additional morbidity after pancreatoduodenectomy: It is not all about pancreatic fistula.

BACKGROUND: The association between postoperative serum hyperamylasaemia (POH) and morbidity has been hypothesized but rarely explored once occurring with or without (POH-exclusive) a combined postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF). METHODS: Analysis of patients who consecutively underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy from 2016 to 2020. POH was defined as serum amylase activity greater than the institutional upper limit of normal (52 U/L), persisting within the first 48 hours postoperatively (postoperative day [POD] 1 and 2). RESULTS: Among 852 patients, 15.8% developed POH-exclusive. Compared with patients without POH or POPF (64.3%), they showed a significantly higher postoperative burden (Clavien-Dindo ≥II: 52.6% vs 30.8%) with increased rates of bacteraemia (12.6% vs 6%), pleural effusion (13.3% vs 5.3%), postpancreatectomy haemorrhage (13.3% vs 7.5%), postpancreatectomy acute pancreatitis (PPAP) (10.3% vs 0%), and organ site infections (18.5% vs 10.9%; all P < .05). A total of 13.8% experienced POH with POPF leading to the worse outcome. The combined occurrence of POH with POPF led to a shorter median time to morbidity (3 PODs, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.2-3.7 vs 6 PODs, 95% CI 4.2-8; P < .001) than patients experiencing POPF-exclusive (5.9%). In all, 46.6% of POH patients developed POPF. Body mass index (BMI) (odds ratio [OR] 1.1), male sex (OR 2.1), increased drain fluid amylase on POD 1 (OR 1.001), and increased C-reactive protein (OR 1.01) were independent risk factors for POPF once POH has occurred. CONCLUSION: POH has relevant postoperative clinical implications, independently from POPF occurrence. Developing POH with POPF leads to an earlier onset of higher postoperative burdens. Once POH is diagnosed, risk factors for additional POPF could identify patients who may benefit from additional surveillance, specific drains protocols, and preventive strategies.

Postpancreatectomy Acute Pancreatitis (PPAP): Definition and Grading From the International Study Group for Pancreatic Surgery (ISGPS).

OBJECTIVE: The ISGPS aimed to develop a universally accepted definition for PPAP for standardized reporting and outcome comparison. BACKGROUND: PPAP is an increasingly recognized complication after partial pancreatic resections, but its incidence and clinical impact, and even its existence are variable because an internationally accepted consensus definition and grading system are lacking. METHODS: The ISGPS developed a consensus definition and grading of PPAP with its members after an evidence review and after a series of discussions and multiple revisions from April 2020 to May 2021. RESULTS: We defined PPAP as an acute inflammatory condition of the pancreatic remnant beginning within the first 3 postoperative days after a partial pancreatic resection. The diagnosis requires (1) a sustained postoperative serum hyperamylasemia (POH) greater than the institutional upper limit of normal for at least the first 48 hours postoperatively, (2) associated with clinically relevant features, and (3) radiologic alterations consistent with PPAP. Three different PPAP grades were defined based on the clinical impact: (1) grade postoperative hyperamylasemia, biochemical changes only; (2) grade B, mild or moderate complications; and (3) grade C, severe life-threatening complications. DISCUSSIONS: The present definition and grading scale of PPAP, based on biochemical, radiologic, and clinical criteria, are instrumental for a better understanding of PPAP and the spectrum of postoperative complications related to this emerging entity. The current terminology will serve as a reference point for standard assessment and lend itself to developing specific treatments and prevention strategies.

Early postoperative serum hyperamylasemia: Harbinger of morbidity hiding in plain sight?

BACKGROUND: The clinical significance of postoperative serum pancreatic enzyme elevation after pancreatoduodenectomy is understudied. We hypothesized that elevation in serum enzymes predicts morbidity and mortality after pancreatoduodenectomy. METHODS: Retrospective review of 677 patients who underwent pancreatoduodenectomy at a single institution from 2013 to 2019. Patients were categorized based on serum enzyme concentrations. Patient characteristics, drain amylase, and outcomes among groups were compared. RESULTS: In total, 415 of 677 patients had postoperative serum amylase concentrations measured. Of these, 243 (59%) were normal, 96 (23%) were classified as postoperative serum hyperamylasemia, and 76 (18%) were classified as postoperative acute pancreatitis. Major morbidity was lower among patients with normal enzyme concentration (10%) and higher in patients with postoperative serum hyperamylasemia (23%) and postoperative acute pancreatitis (18%) (P = .008). Patients with normal enzymes were less likely to develop postoperative pancreatic fistula (5%) compared with patients with postoperative serum hyperamylasemia (26%) and postoperative acute pancreatitis (21%) (P < .001) and less likely to develop delayed gastric emptying (9% vs 23% and 20%, respectively); P = .002. No difference in mortality was seen among groups. CONCLUSION: Elevated serum pancreatic enzyme concentration occurs frequently after pancreatoduodenectomy and is associated with increased postoperative morbidity. Serum enzyme concentration should be considered in management after pancreatoduodenectomy.

Extra-pulmonary complications of 45 critically ill patients with COVID-19 in Yichang, Hubei province, China: A single-centered, retrospective, observation study.

ABSTRACT: Mortality of critically ill patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was high. Aims to examine whether time from symptoms onset to intensive care unit (ICU) admission affects incidence of extra-pulmonary complications and prognosis in order to provide a new insight for reducing the mortality. A single-centered, retrospective, observational study investigated 45 critically ill patients with COVID-19 hospitalized in ICU of The Third People's Hospital of Yichang from January 17 to March 29, 2020. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to time from symptoms onset to ICU admission (>7 and ≤7 days) and into 2 groups according to prognosis (survivors and non-survivors). Epidemiological, clinical, laboratory, radiological characteristics and treatment data were studied. Compared with patients who admitted to the ICU since symptoms onset ≤7 days (55.6%), patients who admitted to the ICU since symptoms onset >7 days (44.4%) were more likely to have extra-pulmonary complications (19 [95.0%] vs 16 [64.0%], P = .034), including acute kidney injury, cardiac injury, acute heart failure, liver dysfunction, gastrointestinal hemorrhage, hyperamylasemia, and hypernatremia. The incidence rates of acute respiratory distress syndrome, pneumothorax, and hospital-acquired pneumonia had no difference between the 2 groups. Except activated partial thromboplastin and Na+ concentration, the laboratory findings were worse in group of time from symptoms onset to ICU admission >7 days. There was no difference in mortality between the 2 groups. Of the 45 cases in the ICU, 19 (42.2%) were non-survivors, and 16 (35.6%) were with hospital-acquired pneumonia. Among these non-survivors, hospital-acquired pneumonia was up to 12 (63.2%) besides higher incidence of extra-pulmonary complications. However, hospital-acquired pneumonia occurred in only 4 (15.4%) survivors. Critically ill patients with COVID-19 who admitted to ICU at once might get benefit from intensive care via lower rate of extra-pulmonary complications.

Hyperamylasemia and acute pancreatitis after pancreatoduodenectomy: Two different entities.

BACKGROUND: Serum amylase activity greater than the institutional upper limit of normal (hyperamylasemia) on postoperative day 0-2 has been suggested as a criterion to define postoperative acute pancreatitis after pancreatoduodenectomy, but robust evidence supporting this definition is lacking. BACKGROUND: To assess the clinical impact of hyperamylasemia after pancreatoduodenectomy and to define postoperative acute pancreatitis. METHODS: Data of 1,235 consecutive patients who had undergone pancreatoduodenectomy between January 2010 and December 2014 were extracted from a prospective database and analyzed. Postoperative acute pancreatitis was defined based on the computed tomography severity index. Logistic regression modeling was used to calculate the postoperative acute pancreatitis rate of the entire study population. RESULTS: Hyperamylasemia on postoperative day 1 was found in 52% of patients after pancreatoduodenectomy. Patients with hyperamylasemia on postoperative day 1 had statistically significantly greater morbidity and mortality than patients with a normal serum amylase activity on postoperative day 1 with the rates of postoperative pancreatic fistula of 14.5% vs 2.1%, and 90-day mortality of 6.6% vs 2.2%, respectively. Of the 364 patients who underwent postoperative computed tomography, 103 (28%) had radiologic signs of acute pancreatitis, thus defining them as having postoperative acute pancreatitis by our definition. Logistic regression modeling showed a 14.7% rate of postoperative acute pancreatitis for the entire patient cohort and 29.2% for patients with hyperamylasemia on postoperative day 1. Outcomes of patients with postoperative acute pancreatitis defined based on the computed tomography severity index showed a rate of postoperative pancreatic fistula of 32.4% and a 90-day mortality rate of 11.8%, which were worse than those of patients with hyperamylasemia on postoperative day 1 alone. CONCLUSION: Hyperamylasemia on postoperative day 1 is a frequent finding after pancreatoduodenectomy, but hyperamylasemia on postoperative day 1 alone is not synonymous with postoperative acute pancreatitis because only 29.2% of such patients have acute pancreatitis based on computed tomography findings. Postoperative acute pancreatitis is a dangerous complication after pancreatoduodenectomy, but its prevalence, according to the gold standard of CT, is not as high as reported previously. Our data suggest that hyperamylasemia on postoperative day 1 and postoperative acute pancreatitis are 2 different entities.

Postoperative hyperamylasemia (POH) and acute pancreatitis after pancreatoduodenectomy (POAP): State of the art and systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative hyperamylasemia is a frequent finding after pancreatoduodenectomy, but its incidence and clinical implications have not yet been analyzed systematically. The aim of this review is to reappraise the concept of postoperative hyperamylasemia with postoperative acute pancreatitis, including its definition, interpretation, and correlation. METHODS: Online databases were used to search all available relevant literature published through June 2019. The following search terms were used: "pancreaticoduodenectomy," "amylase," and "pancreatitis." Surgical series reporting data on postoperative hyperamylasemia or postoperative acute pancreatitis were selected and screened. RESULTS: Among 379 screened studies, 39 papers were included and comprised data from a total of 9,220 patients. Postoperative hyperamylasemia was rarely defined in most of these series, and serum amylase values were measured at different cutoff levels and reported on different postoperative days. The actual levels of serum amylase activity and the representative cutoff levels required to reach a diagnosis of postoperative acute pancreatitis were markedly greater on the first postoperative days and tended to decrease over time. Most studies analyzing postoperative hyperamylasemia focused on its correlation with postoperative pancreatic fistula and other postoperative morbidities. The incidence of postoperative acute pancreatitis varied markedly between studies, with its definition completely lacking in 40% of the analyzed papers. A soft pancreatic parenchyma, a small pancreatic duct, and pathology differing from cancer or chronic pancreatitis were all predisposing factors to the development of postoperative hyperamylasemia. CONCLUSION: Postoperative hyperamylasemia has been proposed as the biochemical expression of pancreatic parenchymal injury related to localized ischemia and inflammation of the pancreatic stump. Such phenomena, analogous to those associated with acute pancreatitis, could perhaps be renamed as postoperative acute pancreatitis from a clinical standpoint. Patients with postoperative acute pancreatitis experienced an increased rate of all postoperative complications, particularly postoperative pancreatic fistula. Taken together, the discrepancies among previous studies of postoperative hyperamylasemia and postoperative acute pancreatitis outlined in the present review may provide a basis for stronger evidence necessary for the development of universally accepted definitions for postoperative hyperamylasemia and postoperative acute pancreatitis.

Simultaneous macroamylasemia and macrolipasemia in a patient with mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma.

We report a case of simultaneous macroamylasemia and macrolipasemia complicated with mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma. A 78-year-old man presented with hyperamylasemia and hyperlipasemia for 2 years and was misdiagnosed with chronic pancreatitis at another hospital. However, his other pancreatic enzymes were normal, his amylase-creatinine clearance ratio was low, and no definite findings of pancreatic disease were evident. Immunological analyses revealed that both amylase and lipase were bound to immunoglobulin (Ig) A-κ, and that serum IgA was high (827.1 mg/dL). He was diagnosed with simultaneous macroamylasemia and macrolipasemia. Since these diseases are associated with malignancy, an additional investigation was performed which revealed the complication of MALT lymphoma, and polymerase chain reaction analysis showed monoclonal immunoglobulin light chain gene rearrangement (κ >> λ). In this case, macroamylasemia and macrolipasemia may have developed due to the formation of macroenzymes resulting from excess IgA-κ secreted by the MALT lymphoma. Simultaneous macroamylasemia and macrolipasemia are very rare and difficult to diagnose and can lead to diagnostic and therapeutic errors. When encountering atypical clinical features associated with hyperamylasemia and hyperlipasemia, the possibility of macroenzymes and underlying diseases such as lymphoproliferative disorders should be considered.

Risk factors for complications after endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography A referral Center experience.

AIM: Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is an important diagnostic and therapeutic tool in patients with hepato-pancreatobiliary diseases. In the present study, we sought to determine predictors of post-ERCP complications at our institution. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of patients who underwent ERCP in between January 2010 and November 2011 was done. Demographics, indications, ERCP findings, success rate, complications and the need of repeat procedure were evaluated with special emphasis on the difficulty in cannulation procedure, the primary etiology of the disease (benign/malign) and age. Chi-square analysis was applied for statistical analysis. The differences were considered statistically significant, if the p value was less than 0.05. RESULTS: A total of 112 ERCP was performed in 81 patients. Thirty-eight were male (46.9 %) and 43 were female (53.1%). Mean age was 61.3 (range 17-88), and 31 patients was seventy years and older (38.3 %). Complications were detected in 28 patients (34.6 %). Nine cases with difficult or unsuccessful cannulation (69.2 %) had complications (p=0.001). Patients with benign diseases showed less complications (21/70), in comparison with those with malignancies (7/11) (30 % vs. 63.6 %, respectively; p<0.05). Complication rate in patients 70 years and older was 32.2 % (n=10) compared to 35.3 % in patients younger than 70 (n= 18) (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Risk factors such as difficult or incomplete cannulation and malignancy are considered as possible predisposing factors for complications. Age is an independent factor. KEY WORDS: Endoscopic cholangiopancreatography, Risk factors.

[Analysis of prognostic factors for hyperamylasemia following pancreaticoduodenectomy].

Objective: To investigate the prognostic factors of hyperamylasemia following pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) . Methods: Clinical data of 359 patients were collected prospectively who underwent PD by the same group at Changhai Hospital of Navy Medical University from January 2017 to June 2018.There were 212 males and 147 females.The median age was 63 years old (range: 23 to 82 years old) .According to whether the patient's serum amylase was greater than 120 U/L at 0 or 1 day after surgery,the patients were divided into hyperamylasemia group and non-hyperamylasemia group. Univariate analysis and multivariate analysis were used to find out the prognostic factors of hyperamylasemia after PD. Results: Of the 359 patients, 238 cases (66.3%) developed hyperamylasemia.The incidence rate of clinically related pancreatic fistula (15.1% vs.2.5%, P<0.01) , grade B/C post pancreatectomy hemorrhage (8.8% vs. 2.5%, P<0.01) , and surgical site infection (9.2% vs. 3.3%, P=0.04) was significantly higher in the hyperamylasemia group.The severity of complications (CD grade≥Ⅲ: 11.3% vs.4.1%, P=0.023) and postoperative hospital stay (11 days vs. 9 days, P=0.001) were higher in the hyperamylasemia group.In the multivariate analysis, the main pancreatic duct diameter (MPD) ≤3 mm (OR=4.469, 95% CI: 2.563-7.793, P<0.01) , pathological type of disease (pancreatic cancer or pancreatitis) (OR=0.230, 95% CI: 0.122-0.436, P<0.01) and soft texture of pancreas (OR=3.297, 95%CI: 1.930-5.635, P<0.01) were independent prognostic factors for hyperamylasemia. Conclusions: Post-PD hyperamylasemia increased the incidence and severity of postoperative complications after PD.MPD≤3 mm, soft texture of pancreas and pathological type of disease were independent prognostic factors of hyperamylasemia.

Risks of Postendoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography Pancreatitis and Hyperamylasemia After Endoscopic Papillary Balloon Dilation: A Retrospective Analysis.

It is currently unclear whether endoscopic papillary balloon dilation (EPBD) is associated with increased severe postendoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis (PEP)-related morbidity owing to conflicting reports. This study aimed to investigate whether EPBD increases the risk of PEP and hyperamylasemia. Clinical data of patients with choledocholithiasis, treated at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University from January 2015 to December 2016 were analyzed. Patients were divided into the EPBD group and endoscopic sphincterotomy (EST)+EPBD group, and their characteristics and PEP and hyperamylasemia incidences were compared. Incidences related to dilated balloon diameter were also analyzed. There were no significant differences in patient characteristics and the incidences of PEP (2.6% vs. 0%; P=0.257) and hyperamylasemia (4.4% vs. 5.6%; P=0.954) between the 2 groups. Results were similar even with different balloon dilatations. EPBD without endoscopic sphincterotomy did not increase the risk of PEP and hyperamylasemia. It is a safe option for choledocholithiasis patients.

Can Iodixanol Prevent Post-Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography Pancreatitis? A Prospective, Randomized, Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: It is yet not clear whether differences in the contrast medium may affect post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) pancreatitis (PEP). AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate the rate of PEP between high osmolality contrast medium (HOCM) and iso osmolar medium (IOCM) in a prospective, randomized, controlled trial. METHODS: Patients who were scheduled to undergo a diagnostic or therapeutic procedure under ERCP guidance were included. Patients were excluded from this study if they (1) were < 20 years old; (2) had acute or active pancreatitis; (3) had previously undergone ERCP; (4) had surgical altered upper gastrointestinal tract anatomy; or (5) refused to be involved in this study. RESULTS: Seventy-five patients were randomly assigned to the IOCM group, and 71 patients were assigned to the HOCM group. PEP occurred in 27 patients (18.5%). Although there were no significant differences, the severe grade of PEP was more frequent in the HOCM group than in the IOCM group (p = 0.08). The results of the multivariate analyses for PEP were not identified as independent risk factors. Also, independent risk factors of hyperamylasemia were performing pre-cut. In subgroup analyses, HOCM was an independent risk factor for hyperamylasemia. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, HOCM may play a role in the development of PEP and in PEP severity grade.

Neutrophilia and hyperamylasemia in patients with immediate food allergy.

BACKGROUND: Presently, little is known about the laboratory data several hours after oral food challenge (OFC) in patients with immunoglobulin (Ig)E-mediated immediate food allergy (FA). METHODS: One hundred and twelve subjects who underwent OFC at the present institute between 1 June 2016 and 31 March 2018, were enrolled in this study. Changes in laboratory data several hours after OFC were examined. RESULTS: OFC was positive in 76 patients and negative in 36. Increase in absolute neutrophil count (ANC) was significantly higher in OFC-positive than in OFC-negative subjects (median, 2,306/µL vs 637/µL; P < 0.00001). On multivariate regression analysis, a significant correlation was seen between neutrophilia and the development of gastrointestinal symptoms (t = 3.63; P < 0.001). Serum interleukin-6 increased in 43.8% of the patients with marked neutrophilia and had a significant positive correlation with ANC (r = 0.64; P < 0.001). Serum amylase increased in 33.3% of the OFC-positive patients and was >100 U/L (median, 642 U/L) in five patients in whom serum lipase also increased markedly (1,197 U/L). There was a significant negative correlation between increase in serum amylase and decrease in absolute eosinophil count (r = -0.36, P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Marked neutrophilia was seen after OFC in patients with immediate FA presenting gastrointestinal symptoms, which may provide an insight into the relationship between symptoms and laboratory data. A considerable increase in serum amylase after OFC was also seen in patients with immediate FA, suggesting that the pancreas is a target organ for immediate FA.

Hyperamylasemia may indicate the presence of ovarian carcinoma: A case report.

RATIONALE: Reports of malignant ovarian tumor with hyperamylasemia are very rare. We present a patient with hyperamylasemia who was diagnosed with a malignant ovarian tumor. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 46-year-old woman was hospitalized complaining of a 2-day history of abdominal discomfort and fever. On physical examination, she showed abdominal distention and tenderness, with rebound pain. Laboratory evaluation showed significantly elevated serum amylase levels. Computed tomography (CT) revealed a solid mass with uneven density in the pelvis. DIAGNOSES: Based on her clinical symptoms and hyperamylasemia, she was suspected to have acute pancreatitis at first. However, the final pathology showed advanced serous papillary ovarian carcinoma. INTERVENTIONS: She underwent initial therapy for acute pancreatitis, followed by laparotomy once her symptoms had disappeared. A tumor mass with maximum diameter 12 cm was detected originating from the right ovary, and the patient underwent hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy with omentectomy, and appendectomy. On the 14th day after the surgery, she received 5 courses of chemotherapy with paclitaxel and carboplatin. However, distant metastasis before the 6th course of chemotherapy were detected by CT, she was therefore changed to a chemotherapy regimen containing gemcitabine and capecitabine. OUTCOMES: The final pathology showed advanced serous papillary ovarian carcinoma. On the 14th day after the surgery, she received 5 courses of chemotherapy with paclitaxel and carboplatin. However, her serum CA125 levels rose again before the 6th course of chemotherapy, and CT of the abdomen and pelvis revealed multiple abnormal-density lesions in the peritoneum and pelvic cavity. We considered these to be metastases, and the patient was deemed unresponsive to her previous chemotherapy. She was therefore changed to a chemotherapy regimen containing gemcitabine and capecitabine, and remained on this regimen at the time of writing. LESSONS: Ovarian carcinoma should be considered as a possibility in patients with hyperamylasemia after ruling out other potential common causes. The final diagnosis depends mainly on the clinical manifestation, laboratory results, and CT examination, though pathology is mandatory to confirm the diagnosis. The main treatment is surgical excision.