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Pediatric Annals Aug 2021Acute pancreatitis has become a common general pediatric condition with an increasing incidence over the past 2 decades. It presents with nonspecific complaints of... (Review)
Review
Acute pancreatitis has become a common general pediatric condition with an increasing incidence over the past 2 decades. It presents with nonspecific complaints of abdominal pain, vomiting, and nausea. Therefore, it is crucial to have it on the differential diagnosis, as it requires prompt treatment and has the potential to become life-threatening. Although pancreatic rest, antiemetics, analgesia, and hydration remain the mainstay of treatment, a new perspective on fluid management, early enteral nutrition, and opioid use has evolved. This review identifies gaps in management awareness and provides understanding on long-term implications of acute and recurrent pancreatitis. This article also reviews the epidemiology, diagnostic criteria, imaging and procedural modalities, common causes, management, and complications of acute pancreatitis and is geared toward the general pediatric hospitalist. .
Topics: Abdominal Pain; Acute Disease; Child; Humans; Nausea; Pancreas; Pancreatitis
PubMed: 34398718
DOI: 10.3928/19382359-20210713-01 -
JAMA Dec 2019Chronic pancreatitis (CP) is a chronic inflammatory and fibrotic disease of the pancreas with a prevalence of 42 to 73 per 100 000 adults in the United States. (Review)
Review
IMPORTANCE
Chronic pancreatitis (CP) is a chronic inflammatory and fibrotic disease of the pancreas with a prevalence of 42 to 73 per 100 000 adults in the United States.
OBSERVATIONS
Both genetic and environmental factors are thought to contribute to the pathogenesis of CP. Environmental factors associated with CP include alcohol abuse (odds ratio [OR], 3.1; 95% CI, 1.87-5.14) for 5 or more drinks per day vs abstainers and light drinkers as well as smoking (OR, 4.59; 95% CI, 2.91-7.25) for more than 35 pack-years in a case-control study involving 971 participants. Between 28% to 80% of patients are classified as having "idiopathic CP." Up to 50% of these individuals have mutations of the trypsin inhibitor gene (SPINK1) or the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene. Approximately 1% of people diagnosed with CP may have hereditary pancreatitis, associated with cationic trypsinogen (PRSS1) gene mutations. Approximately 80% of people with CP present with recurrent or chronic upper abdominal pain. Long-term sequelae include diabetes in 38% to 40% and exocrine insufficiency in 30% to 48%. The diagnosis is based on pancreatic calcifications, ductal dilatation, and atrophy visualized by imaging with computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, or both. Endoscopic ultrasound can assist in making the diagnosis in patients with a high index of suspicion such as recurrent episodes of acute pancreatitis when imaging is normal or equivocal. The first line of therapy consists of advice to discontinue use of alcohol and smoking and taking analgesic agents (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and weak opioids such as tramadol). A trial of pancreatic enzymes and antioxidants (a combination of multivitamins, selenium, and methionine) can control symptoms in up to 50% of patients. Patients with pancreatic ductal obstruction due to stones, stricture, or both may benefit from ductal drainage via endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) or surgical drainage procedures, such as pancreaticojejunostomy with or without pancreatic head resection, which may provide better pain relief among people who do not respond to endoscopic therapy.
CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE
Chronic pancreatitis often results in chronic abdominal pain and is most commonly caused by excessive alcohol use, smoking, or genetic mutations. Treatment consists primarily of alcohol and smoking cessation, pain control, replacement of pancreatic insufficiency, or mechanical drainage of obstructed pancreatic ducts for some patients.
Topics: Abdominal Pain; Alcoholism; Diagnostic Imaging; Genetic Predisposition to Disease; Humans; Pain Management; Pancreas; Pancreatitis, Chronic; Prognosis; Risk Factors; Smoking
PubMed: 31860051
DOI: 10.1001/jama.2019.19411 -
Journal of Gastroenterology Oct 2022Chronic pancreatitis (CP) is defined according to the recently proposed mechanistic definition as a pathological fibro-inflammatory syndrome of the pancreas in... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Chronic pancreatitis (CP) is defined according to the recently proposed mechanistic definition as a pathological fibro-inflammatory syndrome of the pancreas in individuals with genetic, environmental, and/or other risk factors who develop persistent pathological responses to parenchymal injury or stress.
METHODS
The clinical practice guidelines for CP in Japan were revised in 2021 based on the 2019 Japanese clinical diagnostic criteria for CP, which incorporate the concept of a pathogenic fibro-inflammatory syndrome in the pancreas. In this third edition, clinical questions are reclassified into clinical questions, background questions, and future research questions.
RESULTS
Based on analysis of newly accumulated evidence, the strength of evidence and recommendations for each clinical question is described in terms of treatment selection, lifestyle guidance, pain control, treatment of exocrine and endocrine insufficiency, and treatment of complications. A flowchart outlining indications, treatment selection, and policies for cases in which treatment is ineffective is provided. For pain control, pharmacological treatment and the indications and timing for endoscopic and surgical treatment have been updated in the revised edition.
CONCLUSIONS
These updated guidelines provide clinicians with useful information to assist in the diagnosis and treatment of CP.
Topics: Endoscopy; Humans; Pain; Pancreas; Pancreatitis, Chronic; Risk Factors
PubMed: 35994093
DOI: 10.1007/s00535-022-01911-6 -
Gastroenterology Jan 2020The purpose of this American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) Institute Clinical Practice Update is to review the available evidence and expert recommendations... (Review)
Review
DESCRIPTION
The purpose of this American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) Institute Clinical Practice Update is to review the available evidence and expert recommendations regarding the clinical care of patients with pancreatic necrosis and to offer concise best practice advice for the optimal management of patients with this highly morbid condition.
METHODS
This expert review was commissioned and approved by the AGA Institute Clinical Practice Updates Committee and the AGA Governing Board to provide timely guidance on a topic of high clinical importance to the AGA membership, and underwent internal peer review by the Clinical Practice Updates Committee and external peer review through standard procedures of Gastroenterology. This review is framed around the 15 best practice advice points agreed upon by the authors, which reflect landmark and recent published articles in this field. This expert review also reflects the experiences of the authors, who are advanced endoscopists or hepatopancreatobiliary surgeons with extensive experience in managing and teaching others to care for patients with pancreatic necrosis. BEST PRACTICE ADVICE 1: Pancreatic necrosis is associated with substantial morbidity and mortality and optimal management requires a multidisciplinary approach, including gastroenterologists, surgeons, interventional radiologists, and specialists in critical care medicine, infectious disease, and nutrition. In situations where clinical expertise may be limited, consideration should be given to transferring patients with significant pancreatic necrosis to an appropriate tertiary-care center. BEST PRACTICE ADVICE 2: Antimicrobial therapy is best indicated for culture-proven infection in pancreatic necrosis or when infection is strongly suspected (ie, gas in the collection, bacteremia, sepsis, or clinical deterioration). Routine use of prophylactic antibiotics to prevent infection of sterile necrosis is not recommended. BEST PRACTICE ADVICE 3: When infected necrosis is suspected, broad-spectrum intravenous antibiotics with ability to penetrate pancreatic necrosis should be favored (eg, carbapenems, quinolones, and metronidazole). Routine use of antifungal agents is not recommended. Computed tomography-guided fine-needle aspiration for Gram stain and cultures is unnecessary in the majority of cases. BEST PRACTICE ADVICE 4: In patients with pancreatic necrosis, enteral feeding should be initiated early to decrease the risk of infected necrosis. A trial of oral nutrition is recommended immediately in patients in whom there is absence of nausea and vomiting and no signs of severe ileus or gastrointestinal luminal obstruction. When oral nutrition is not feasible, enteral nutrition by either nasogastric/duodenal or nasojejunal tube should be initiated as soon as possible. Total parenteral nutrition should be considered only in cases where oral or enteral feeds are not feasible or tolerated. BEST PRACTICE ADVICE 5: Drainage and/or debridement of pancreatic necrosis is indicated in patients with infected necrosis. Drainage and/or debridement may be required in patients with sterile pancreatic necrosis and persistent unwellness marked by abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and nutritional failure or with associated complications, including gastrointestinal luminal obstruction; biliary obstruction; recurrent acute pancreatitis; fistulas; or persistent systemic inflammatory response syndrome. BEST PRACTICE ADVICE 6: Pancreatic debridement should be avoided in the early, acute period (first 2 weeks), as it has been associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Debridement should be optimally delayed for 4 weeks and performed earlier only when there is an organized collection and a strong indication. BEST PRACTICE ADVICE 7: Percutaneous drainage and transmural endoscopic drainage are both appropriate first-line, nonsurgical approaches in managing patients with walled-off pancreatic necrosis (WON). Endoscopic therapy through transmural drainage of WON may be preferred, as it avoids the risk of forming a pancreatocutaneous fistula. BEST PRACTICE ADVICE 8: Percutaneous drainage of pancreatic necrosis should be considered in patients with infected or symptomatic necrotic collections in the early, acute period (<2 weeks), and in those with WON who are too ill to undergo endoscopic or surgical intervention. Percutaneous drainage should be strongly considered as an adjunct to endoscopic drainage for WON with deep extension into the paracolic gutters and pelvis or for salvage therapy after endoscopic or surgical debridement with residual necrosis burden. BEST PRACTICE ADVICE 9: Self-expanding metal stents in the form of lumen-apposing metal stents appear to be superior to plastic stents for endoscopic transmural drainage of necrosis. BEST PRACTICE ADVICE 10: The use of direct endoscopic necrosectomy should be reserved for those patients with limited necrosis who do not adequately respond to endoscopic transmural drainage using large-bore, self-expanding metal stents/lumen-apposing metal stents alone or plastic stents combined with irrigation. Direct endoscopic necrosectomy is a therapeutic option in patients with large amounts of infected necrosis, but should be performed at referral centers with the necessary endoscopic expertise and interventional radiology and surgical backup. BEST PRACTICE ADVICE 11: Minimally invasive operative approaches to the debridement of acute necrotizing pancreatitis are preferred to open surgical necrosectomy when possible, given lower morbidity. BEST PRACTICE ADVICE 12: Multiple minimally invasive surgical techniques are feasible and effective, including videoscopic-assisted retroperitoneal debridement, laparoscopic transgastric debridement, and open transgastric debridement. Selection of approach is best determined by pattern of disease, physiology of the patient, experience and expertise of the multidisciplinary team, and available resources. BEST PRACTICE ADVICE 13: Open operative debridement maintains a role in the modern management of acute necrotizing pancreatitis in cases not amenable to less invasive endoscopic and/or surgical procedures. BEST PRACTICE ADVICE 14: For patients with disconnected left pancreatic remnant after acute necrotizing mid-body necrosis, definitive surgical management with distal pancreatectomy should be undertaken in patients with reasonable operative candidacy. Insufficient evidence exists to support the management of the disconnected left pancreatic remnant with long-term transenteric endoscopic stenting. BEST PRACTICE ADVICE 15: A step-up approach consisting of percutaneous drainage or endoscopic transmural drainage using either plastic stents and irrigation or self-expanding metal stents/lumen-apposing metal stents alone, followed by direct endoscopic necrosectomy, and then surgical debridement is reasonable, although approaches may vary based on the available clinical expertise.
Topics: Debridement; Drainage; Endoscopy; Enteral Nutrition; Gastroenterology; Humans; Pancreas; Pancreatitis, Acute Necrotizing; Practice Guidelines as Topic; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Self Expandable Metallic Stents; Societies, Medical; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; Treatment Outcome; United States
PubMed: 31479658
DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2019.07.064 -
World Journal of Gastroenterology May 2023Acute pancreatitis (AP) is an inflammatory disease of the pancreas, which can progress to severe AP, with a high risk of death. It is one of the most complicated and... (Review)
Review
Acute pancreatitis (AP) is an inflammatory disease of the pancreas, which can progress to severe AP, with a high risk of death. It is one of the most complicated and clinically challenging of all disorders affecting the abdomen. The main causes of AP are gallstone migration and alcohol abuse. Other causes are uncommon, controversial and insufficiently explained. The disease is primarily characterized by inappropriate activation of trypsinogen, infiltration of inflammatory cells, and destruction of secretory cells. According to the revised Atlanta classification, severity of the disease is categorized into three levels: Mild, moderately severe and severe, depending upon organ failure and local as well as systemic complications. Various methods have been used for predicting the severity of AP and its outcome, such as clinical evaluation, imaging evaluation and testing of various biochemical markers. However, AP is a very complex disease and despite the fact that there are of several clinical, biochemical and imaging criteria for assessment of severity of AP, it is not an easy task to predict its subsequent course. Therefore, there are existing controversies regarding diagnostic and therapeutic modalities, their effectiveness and complications in the treatment of AP. The main reason being the fact, that the pathophysiologic mechanisms of AP have not been fully elucidated and need to be studied further. In this editorial article, we discuss the efficacy of the existing diagnostic and therapeutic modalities, complications and treatment failure in the management of AP.
Topics: Humans; Pancreatitis; Acute Disease; Pancreas; Diagnostic Imaging; Biomarkers; Severity of Illness Index
PubMed: 37274068
DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v29.i18.2747 -
Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine Nov 2021In the last 20 years, the diagnosis of pancreatitis has become more frequent as a result of improved diagnostic modalities such as abdominal ultrasound examination,... (Review)
Review
In the last 20 years, the diagnosis of pancreatitis has become more frequent as a result of improved diagnostic modalities such as abdominal ultrasound examination, advanced imaging, and immunoassays for the measurement of pancreatic lipase. Our aim is to provide a state-of-the-art overview of the clinical diagnosis of acute pancreatitis (AP) in dogs with a particular focus on pancreatic lipase assay validation and clinical performance, in addition to advanced imaging modalities. We also discuss the potential indications for cytology and histopathology in dogs with suspected AP.
Topics: Acute Disease; Animals; Dog Diseases; Dogs; Lipase; Pancreas; Pancreatitis; Ultrasonography
PubMed: 34751442
DOI: 10.1111/jvim.16292 -
Expert Review of Gastroenterology &... Nov 2019: Pancreas divisum is the most common congenital malformation of the pancreas with the majority asymptomatic. The etiological role, pathogenesis, clinical significance... (Review)
Review
: Pancreas divisum is the most common congenital malformation of the pancreas with the majority asymptomatic. The etiological role, pathogenesis, clinical significance and management of pancreas divisum in pancreatic disease has not been clearly defined and our understanding is yet to be fully elucidated.: This review describes the role of pancreas divisum in the development of pancreatic disease and the ambiguity related to it. In our attempt to offer clarity, a comprehensive search on PubMed, Ovid, Embase and Cochrane Library from inception to May 2019 was undertaken using key words "pancreas divisum", "idiopathic recurrent acute pancreatitis" and "chronic pancreatitis".: Current research fails to define a clear association between pancreas divisum and pancreatic disease. Though debatable, several studies do suggest a pathological role of pancreas divisum in pancreatic disease and a benefit of minor papilla therapy in the setting of acute recurrent pancreatitis. Surgical and endoscopic therapeutic modalities have not been directly compared. With the current data available, it would be imprudent to advise a definitive line of management for pancreatic disease associated with pancreas divisum and should involve a comprehensive discussion with the individual patient to define expectations before embarking on any medical and/or interventional therapy.
Topics: Digestive System Abnormalities; Humans; Pancreas; Pancreatitis; Pancreatitis, Chronic; Predictive Value of Tests; Prognosis; Recurrence; Risk Assessment; Risk Factors
PubMed: 31663403
DOI: 10.1080/17474124.2019.1685871 -
The Turkish Journal of Gastroenterology... Aug 2023Acute pancreatitis, a prevalent illness with devastating consequences, poses a grave threat to those affected. There has been a steady increase in the occurrence of...
Acute pancreatitis, a prevalent illness with devastating consequences, poses a grave threat to those affected. There has been a steady increase in the occurrence of acute pancreatitis at about 3% per year from 1961 to 2016. There are 3 main guidelines on acute pancreatitis, including the American College of Gastroenterology, the International Association of Pancreatology/American Pancreatic Association guideline in 2013, and the American Gastroenterological Association guideline in 2018. However, several milestone studies have been published since then. We hereby reviewed the current acute pancreatitis guidelines with an update on clinical practicechanging literature. The aggressive or moderate fluid resuscitation in acute pancreatitis (WATERFALL) trial recommended fluid resuscitation with lactated Ringer's solution at a moderate aggressive rate. All guidelines did not recommend prophylactic antibiotics use. Early enteral feeding reduces morbidity. A clear liquid diet is no longer recommended. Nutrition with nasogastric or nasojejunal feeding does not have a difference. The upcoming high vs. low-energy administration in the early phase of acute pancreatitis (GOULASH) trial will provide more information on the impact of calorie intake. Pain management should be individualized based on the degree of pain and severity of pancreatitis. In patients with moderate to severe and severe acute pancreatitis, a step-down approach with epidural analgesia can be considered for moderate to severe pain. The management of acute pancreatitis has evolved. New research on the impact of electrolytes, pharmacologic agents, the role of anticoagulants, and nutrition support will provide scientific and clinical evidence to improve patient care and decrease morbidity and mortality.
Topics: Humans; Pancreatitis; Acute Disease; Enteral Nutrition; Nutritional Support; Pancreas
PubMed: 37404118
DOI: 10.5152/tjg.2023.23175 -
Langenbeck's Archives of Surgery May 2021Acute pancreatitis (AP) is defined as an acute inflammatory attack of the pancreas of sudden onset. Around 25% of patients have either moderately severe or severe... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Acute pancreatitis (AP) is defined as an acute inflammatory attack of the pancreas of sudden onset. Around 25% of patients have either moderately severe or severe disease with a mortality rate of 15-20%.
PURPOSE
The aim of this article was to summarize the advances being made in the understanding of this disease and the important role of surgery.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS
An accurate diagnosis should be made a soon as possible, initiating resuscitation with large volume intravenous fluids and oxygen by mask. Predicted severe disease will require intensive monitoring. Most deaths within the first week are due to multi-organ failure; thus, these patients will require intensive therapy unit management. During the second phase of the disease, death is due to local complications arising from the pancreatic inflammation, requiring accurate identification to determine the correct form of treatment. Acute peripancreatic fluid collections arise < 4 weeks after onset of interstitial edematous pancreatitis, not requiring any treatment. Most pancreatic pseudocysts arise > 4 weeks and largely resolve on conservative management. Necrotizing pancreatitis causing acute necrotic collections and later walled-off necrosis will require treatment if symptomatic or infected. Initial endoscopic transgastric or percutaneous drainage will resolve less serious collections but necrosectomy using minimally invasive approaches will be needed for more serious collections. To prevent recurrent attacks of AP, causative factors need to be removed where possible such as cholecystectomy and cessation of alcohol. Future progress requires improved management of multi-organ failure and more effective minimally invasive techniques for the removal of necrosis.
Topics: Acute Disease; Drainage; Humans; Pancreas; Pancreatitis, Acute Necrotizing
PubMed: 32910276
DOI: 10.1007/s00423-020-01944-6 -
The New England Journal of Medicine Mar 2022
Review
Topics: Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Pain; Pain Management; Pancreas; Pancreatitis, Chronic; Practice Guidelines as Topic
PubMed: 35235728
DOI: 10.1056/NEJMcp1809396