Recent trends in Management of Acute Pancreatitis

Abstract

Pancreatitis is an inflammatory disorder of the pancreas which occurs with an estimated incidence of 10-40 per 100 000 per year. Mild acute (edematous or interstitial) pancreatitis accounts for 80% of cases, is self-limiting, and usually resolves with simple supportive management in 3-5 days. Severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) accounts for the remainder of cases and was defined by the Atlanta Symposium as acute pancreatitis associated with organ dysfunction or local or regional complications .Most deaths from SAP result from sepsis and multi organ failure. Mortality in patients with infected pancreatic necrosis is 25-30%, compared with 10-12% in those with sterile necrosis (Simon et al., 2008). There are many causes of pancreatitis, broadly classified as obstruction of the secretory tree or direct parenchymal cell damage. Over 70% of cases of acute pancreatitis in the UK are caused by alcohol or gallstones. Women are more likely to suffer from gallstone pancreatitis, and men more likely to suffer from alcohol-related pancreatitis. Approximately 10-20% of cases are idiopathic (Simon et al., 2008). Acute pancreatitis in childhood is not common. It can be associated with severe morbidity and mortality. Trauma is a major cause of pancreatitis in children. Early diagnosis, close monitoring, and proper intervention are mandatory to reduce the potential morbidity and mortality (Ibrahim et al., 2011).