Acute pancreatitis is an inflammation (irritation and swelling with presence of extra immune cells) of the pancreas. The pancreas is an elongated, tapered gland, located behind the stomach, that secretes digestive enzymes and the hormones insulin and glucagon .

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

The chief causes of acute pancreatitis in adults are gallstones , other gallbladder (biliary) disease, and alcohol use . Viral infection ( mumps , coxsackie B, mycoplasma pneumonia , and campylobacter), traumatic injury, pancreatic or common bile duct surgical procedures and certain medications (especially estrogens, corticosteroids, thiazide diuretics, and azathioprine) are other causes. The mechanism that causes pancreatitis is not well known. It is thought that enzymes normally secreted by the pancreas in an inactive form become activated inside the pancreas and start to digest the pancreatic tissue. This process is called autodigestion and causes swelling , hemorrhage, and damage to the blood vessels. An attack may last for 48 hours. The disease affects men more often than women. Alcohol abuse is an important risk factor. In children, this disorder may be associated with:

abdominal trauma

cystic fibrosis

hemolytic uremic syndrome

Kawasaki disease

mumps

Reye syndrome

various viral illnesses

medications

Signs and tests

General examination may show low blood pressure and a heart rate above 90 (slightly rapid). Tests that show release of pancreatic enzymes:

elevated

serum amylase

elevated

urine amylase

elevated

serum lipase Test that show inflammation of the pancreas:

abdominal CT scan

abdominal ultrasound

abdominal MRI

In other blood tests results:

CBC

shows an elevated

WBC count .

A

glucose test may show elevated levels.

Serum calcium

may be decreased.

This disease may also alter the results of the following tests:

trypsinogen

serum magnesium - test

LDH isoenzymes

LDH

fecal fat

CEA

calcium (ionized)

AST

Treatment

Treatment is aimed at supportive measures such as fluid replacement by

intravenous (IV) infusion, pain relief by analgesics , and withholding food or fluid by mouth to restrict pancreatic activity that makes symptoms worse. Occasionally nasogastric suctioning may be required if there is persistent vomiting or severe pain or if a paralytic ileus develops. Recurrent attacks may be prevented by treating the underlying condition. Surgery or endoscopic therapy (using an endoscope, a device with a light that can look inside a body cavity) is indicated in some cases to remove gallstones blocking drainage of the pancreas. In severe cases, the pancreas may be removed.

Expectations (prognosis)

In most cases, the symptoms resolve in a week; however, in some cases, life-threatening illness develops. The death rate is high with hemorrhagic pancreatitis or necrotizing pancreatitis and complications such as liver, heart, or kidney impairment may occur. Recurrences are common.

Complications

low blood pressure

heart failure

kidney failure

ARDS (adult respiratory distress syndrome)

ascites

, accumulation of fluid in the abdomen

cysts

or

abscesses in the pancreas

Calling your health care provider

Call your health care provider if intense, constant abdominal pain is present, or if other symptoms suggestive of acute pancreatitis develop.

Prevention

Prevention of acute pancreatitis is associated with prevention of the causative disorders.

If you drink alcohol, control alcohol intake.

Use proper safety precautions to avoid abdominal trauma.

Genetic counseling may be advised for prospective parents with a family or personal history of

cystic fibrosis .

Cook meat thoroughly (this is one way to reduce the risk of

hemolytic uremic syndrome ).

To reduce the risk of

Reye syndrome , avoid aspirin for treatment of fever in children, especially if they may have a viral illness.

Immunize children against

mumps and other childhood illnesses (see Immunizations - general overview ).