Chronic Pancreatitis and Bone Disease

Chronic pancreatitis

Chronic pancreatitis is a progressive fibroinflammatory disease primarily caused by a complex interplay of environmental and genetic risk factors. It might result in pancreatic exocrine and endocrine insufficiency, chronic pain, reduced quality of life, and increased mortality. The diagnosis is based on the presence of typical symptoms and multiple morphological manifestations of the pancreas, including pancreatic duct stones and strictures, parenchymal calcifications, and pseudocysts. Management of chronic pancreatitis consists of prevention and treatment of complications, requiring a multidisciplinary approach focusing on lifestyle modifications, exocrine insufficiency, nutritional status, bone health, endocrine insufficiency, pain management, and psychological care. To optimise clinical outcomes, screening for complications and evaluation of treatment efficacy are indicated in all patients with chronic pancreatitis.

Proliferative features of IgG4-related disease

IgG4-related disease is an immune-mediated disease that can lead to substantial morbidity and organ damage. Capable of affecting nearly any organ system or anatomic site, and showing considerable overlap in clinical presentation with various other diseases, IgG4-related disease often poses a diagnostic challenge for clinicians. Furthermore, there are no diagnostic biomarkers with high specificity for IgG4-related disease, and histopathological examination is nuanced and requires clinical correlation for accurate diagnosis. Therefore, it is crucial for clinicians to recognise the clinical phenotypes of IgG4-related disease. The disease is generally considered to have predominantly fibrotic and proliferative (or inflammatory) manifestations, with distinct clinical, serological and histopathological findings associated with each manifestation. However, the fibrotic and proliferative manifestations of this disease frequently occur together, thereby blurring this dichotomous distinction. In this Series paper, we provide a detailed overview of the clinical manifestations typical of the proliferative features of IgG4-related disease, with an emphasis on the diagnostic evaluation and differential diagnosis of each proliferative disease manifestation. In addition, we summarise the immune mechanisms underlying IgG4-related disease, suggest a framework for how to approach management and monitoring after the diagnosis is established, and highlight current unmet needs for patient care surrounding this disease.

Management of chronic pancreatitis: recent advances and future prospects

As a progressive fibroinflammatory disease, chronic pancreatitis (CP) often manifests as recurrent bouts of abdominal pain with or without complications, causing a heavy burden of health care. In recent years, some meaningful insights into the management of CP have been obtained from randomized controlled trials, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses, which were of great importance. Based on this research, it is shown that there are various treatments for CP. Therefore, it is of great importance to choose a suitable strategy for patients with CP individually. Relevant evidence on the management of CP was summarized in this review, including nutrition supplements, medication, endoscopy, surgery, exploration of novel therapies as well as evaluation and prediction of treatment response.

Does Chronic Pancreatitis in Growing Pigs Lead to Articular Cartilage Degradation and Alterations in Subchondral Bone?

Chronic pancreatitis (CP), a progressive inflammatory disease, poses diagnostic challenges due to its initially asymptomatic nature. While CP's impact on exocrine and endocrine functions is well-recognized, its potential influence on other body systems, particularly in young individuals, remains underexplored. This study investigates the hypothesis that CP in growing pigs leads to alterations in articular cartilage and subchondral bone, potentially contributing to osteoarthritis (OA) development. Utilizing a pig model of cerulein-induced CP, we examined the structural and compositional changes in subchondral bone, articular cartilage, and synovial fluid. Histological analyses, including Picrosirius Red and Safranin-O staining, were employed alongside immuno-histochemistry and Western blotting techniques. Our findings reveal significant changes in the subchondral bone, including reduced bone volume and alterations in collagen fiber composition. Articular cartilage in CP pigs exhibited decreased proteoglycan content and alterations in key proteins such as MMP-13 and TGF-β1, indicative of early cartilage degradation. These changes suggest a link between CP and musculoskeletal alterations, underscoring the need for further research into CP's systemic effects. Our study provides foundational insights into the relationship between CP and skeletal health, potentially guiding future pediatric healthcare strategies for early CP diagnosis and management.

Managing complications of chronic pancreatitis: a guide for the gastroenterologist

INTRODUCTION

Chronic pancreatitis is a heterogeneous and complex syndrome that, in most cases, causes pain as a cardinal symptom and affects both the morphology and function of the pancreas, leading to several serious complications.

AREAS COVERED

The present review, based on a non-systematic PubMed search updated to June 2023, aims to present the current available evidence on the role of gastroenterologists in the diagnosis and treatment of both local and systemic complications by either endoscopic or medical treatments.

EXPERT OPINION

At diagnosis and during chronic pancreatitis follow-up, particular care is needed to consider not only the clinically manifest signs and symptoms of the disease, such as pain, jaundice, gastrointestinal obstruction, and pseudocysts, which require multidisciplinary discussion to establish the best treatment option (endoscopic or surgical), but also less evident systemic complications. Pancreatic exocrine and endocrine insufficiency, together with chronic inflammation, addiction, and dysbiosis, contribute to malnutrition, sarcopenia, and osteopathy. These complications, in turn, increase the risk of infection, thromboembolic events, and death. Patients with chronic pancreatitis also have an increased risk of psychiatric disorders and pancreatic cancer onset. Overall, patients with chronic pancreatitis should receive a holistic evaluation, considering all these aspects, possibly through multidisciplinary care in dedicated expert centers.

Prevalence of Osteopathy in Chronic Pancreatitis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

INTRODUCTION

Individuals with chronic pancreatitis (CP) are at increased risk for nutritional complications during their clinical course. We appraised the literature to provide updated estimates of the prevalence and predictors of osteoporosis, osteopenia, and osteopathy in CP using a systematic review and meta-analysis.

METHODS

Search strategies were developed for major databases from inception through October 2021. Outcomes of interest included rates of osteopenia and osteoporosis based on dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scans and risk factors. A random-effects model was used for analysis, and results were expressed as pooled cumulative rates along with 95% confidence interval (CI).

RESULTS

From an initial total of 1,704 identified articles, we ultimately selected 17 studies that involved 1,659 subjects (n = 1,067 men) with CP. The pooled rate of osteopathy was 58% (95% CI: 49%-67%; P < 0.001; I 2 = 91.8%). The pooled rate of osteoporosis was 18% (95% CI: 12%-23%; P < 0.001; I 2 = 86.3%), and the pooled rate of osteopenia was 39% (95% CI: 31%-48%; P < 0.001; I 2 = 91.53%). In the systematic review, factors associated with decreased bone mineral density included smoking, alcohol consumption, older age, female sex, low body mass index, decreased vitamins D and K, and fecal elastase levels.

DISCUSSION

Patients with CP have high rates of osteopathy when assessed with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry imaging. Additional studies with longitudinal follow-up are needed to understand the observed heterogeneity, the cumulative burden of disease, and rate of bone loss in CP.

Pancreatic exocrine insufficiency in diabetes mellitus

Diabetes is disease of both the endo- and exocrine parts of the pancreas. Pancreatic exocrine insufficiency (PEI) can occur in every 2–3 patients with diabetes and affect not only the quality, but also life expectancy. At the same time, the diagnosis and treatment of PEI is not getting enough attention. The endocrinologist, as the main specialist leading patients with diabetes, can diagnose and treat patients with pancreatic exocrine insufficiency and diabetes using adequate doses of pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT).

Pancreatic exocrine insufficiency in diabetes mellitus

Diabetes is disease of both the endo- and exocrine parts of the pancreas. Pancreatic exocrine insufficiency (PEI) can occur in every 2–3 patients with diabetes and affect not only the quality, but also life expectancy. At the same time, the diagnosis and treatment of PEI is not getting enough attention. The endocrinologist, as the main specialist leading patients with diabetes, can diagnose and treat patients with pancreatic exocrine insufficiency and diabetes using adequate doses of pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT).

Predictive Risk Factors of Pancreatic Exocrine Insufficiency Developed After Acute Pancreatitis: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Purpose

The aim of this study was to compare the clinical characteristics of acute pancreatitis (AP) patients between those who developed pancreatic exocrine insufficiency (PEI) and those who did not, and to investigate the predictive factors of PEI.

Patients and Methods

From October 1st 2019 to July 30th 2021, AP patients admitted at our center were included. The fecal elastase-1 assay was adopted for PEI diagnosis. The clinical characteristics, treatments, and outcomes between the patients with and without PEI were analyzed.

Results

In total, 63 males and 42 females were included. There were 27 patients with mild AP, 54 with moderately severe AP, and 24 with severe AP. The median modified computed tomography severity index (MCTSI) was 6.000(4.000, 8.000). During the follow-up, 38 patients developed PEI after AP. The univariate analysis showed that higher ASA grade (P = 0.006), more severe AP (P = 0.000), the presence of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (P = 0.030), higher MCTSI (P = 0.000), the development of infected pancreatic necrosis (P = 0.002) and local complications (P = 0.000), higher levels of triacylglycerol (P = 0.022), video-assisted retroperitoneal debridement intervention (P = 0.015), and longer intensive care unit stay (P = 0.044) were correlated with PEI development. Furthermore, the logistic regression analyses showed that MCTSI during hospitalization is an independent risk factor for PEI development during the AP recovery period.

Conclusion

ASA grade, severity of AP, multiple organ dysfunction syndrome, MCTSI, infected pancreatic necrosis, local complications, higher levels of triacylglycerol, video-assisted retroperitoneal debridement intervention, and longer intensive care unit stay were potentially associated with PEI development during the AP recovery period. High MCTSI was independently associated with the development of PEI during the AP recovery period, which may help alert to the possibility of PEI to help with its early detection and treatment.

Post-pancreatitis diabetes mellitus: insight on optimal management with nutrition and lifestyle approaches

Pancreatitis is the leading gastrointestinal cause of hospitalizations. There are multiple short- and long-term complications associated with pancreatitis. Post-pancreatitis diabetes mellitus (PPDM) is one of the less explored complications of pancreatitis. Nonetheless, it has attracted considerable attention during the last decade. PPDM is now the second most common cause of new-onset diabetes mellitus (DM) in adults after type II DM surpassing type 1 DM. However, there exists a knowledge gap amongst practitioners regarding diagnosis, complications, and management of PPDM. In this narrative, we aim to provide a brief review regarding risks, diagnosis and management of PPDM with a special focus on dietary and lifestyle management strategies.KEY MESSAGESPost-pancreatitis diabetes mellitus (PPDM) is now the second most common cause of new-onset diabetes mellitus (DM) in adults after type II DM surpassing type 1 DM.New-onset diabetes in patients with pancreatitis could also be an early marker of occult pancreatic malignancy.Management of PPDM is complex and requires a team-based approach including gastroenterologists, endocrinologists, primary care physicians, nutritionists, and behavioural health specialists.

Pain, depression, and poor quality of life in chronic pancreatitis: Relationship with altered brain metabolites

BACKGROUND

To evaluate if altered brain metabolites are connected to pain, depression and affective responses in CP.

METHODS

In this prospective study we evaluated pain characteristics, QOL (EORTC QLQc30+PAN28), depression (Beck depression inventory [BDI] II) in 558 patients with CP and 67 healthy controls. Brain metabolites were evaluated using magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) in 49 patients and 5 healthy controls. We measured plasma metabolites using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS). Relationship between metabolomic alterations, pain, depression and QOL components were assessed using statistical/bioinformatics methods. Benjamini-Hochberg FDR correction was applied for multiple testing.

RESULTS

261 (46.8%) patients had depression compared to 5 (7.5%) among healthy controls [n = 67](p < 0.0001). Risk [OR (95% CI) of developing depression in the presence of pain was 1.9 (1.33-1.68); p = 0.0004. The depression scores correlated negatively with functional components and positively with symptom components of EORTC QLQ30. Significant negative correlation, though based on a small sample size, was observed between N-acetyl aspartate in the left hippocampus and choline in the left prefrontal cortex with emotional and cognitive functions. PLS-DA modelling revealed significant alteration in the plasma metabolomic profile among patients with CP who had depression. Six metabolites were significantly different between CP with depression and healthy controls, of which glycine contributed most significantly to the PLS-DA model (VIP score of 3.5).

CONCLUSIONS

A significant proportion of patients with CP develops depression that correlate with poor QOL functions. Pain, depression, and emotional components of QOL in patients with CP correlated with N-acetyl aspartate and choline in the left hippocampus and left prefrontal cortex of the brain.

Exocrine pancreas insufficiency in chronic pancreatitis - Risk factors and associations with complications. A multicentre study of 1869 patients

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

There is scarce information about risk factors for exocrine pancreas insufficiency (EPI) in chronic pancreatitis (CP), and how it associates with other complications. The aim of the present study was to examine risk factors for EPI and associations to procedures and other CP related complications in a large, Northern European cohort.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We retrieved cross-sectional data on demographics, status on EPI, aetiological risk factors for CP, CP related complications as well as surgical and endoscopic treatment from the Scandinavian Baltic Pancreatic Club Database. Associations were assessed by univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. Results are presented as odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals.

RESULTS

We included 1869 patients with probable or definitive CP in the study. Exocrine pancreas insufficiency was present in 849 (45.4%) of patients. In multivariate analyses, EPI associated with smoking aetiology (OR 1.47 (1.20-1.79), p < 0.001), and nutritional/metabolic aetiology (OR 0.52 (0.31-0.87), p = 0.01) to CP. Pancreatic or common bile duct stenting procedure and pancreatic resection were both associated with EPI (ORs 1.44 (1.15-1.80), p = 0.002 and 1.54 (1.02-2.33), p = 0.04, respectively). The presence of diabetes mellitus (OR 2.45 (1.92-3.15), p < 0.001), bile duct stenosis (OR 1.48 (1.09-2.00), p = 0.02) and underweight (2.05 (OR 1.40-3.02), p < 0.001) were all associated with presence of EPI.

CONCLUSIONS

Smoking, bile duct stenosis, previous stenting and resection procedures are all associated with EPI in patients with CP. Presence of EPI were also associated with malnutrition and diabetes mellitus. Hence, intensive nutritional surveillance is needed in these patients.

Sarcopenia in Chronic Pancreatitis - Prevalence, Diagnosis, Mechanisms and Potential Therapies

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To investigate the prevalence, pathogenesis, diagnosis, clinical sequelae, and management of sarcopenia to improve mortality and quality of life in those with Chronic Pancreatitis.

RECENT FINDINGS

Sarcopenia is prevalent in chronic pancreatitis and can significantly affect clinical outcomes. Sarcopenia is prevalent in chronic pancreatitis. While effects on some clinical outcomes is has been shown, there is a significant gap in knowledge regarding effects on outcomes, pathophysiology, and options for management.

Prevalence and Risk Factors for Osteopathy in Chronic Pancreatitis

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

The high incidence of osteopathy among patients with chronic pancreatitis (CP) has garnered increased attention over recent years. The aims of this study were to assess the prevalence and risk factors for osteopathy in Chinese patients with CP.

METHODS

This was a cross-sectional study of CP patients from a large center in China; patients were recruited between 31 January 2017 and 31 January 2018. Bone density and laboratory tests, including bone-related biochemical, inflammatory, and hormone parameters, were assessed prospectively. Differences between patients with and without osteopathy were analyzed. Logistic regression analysis was used to investigate associations between variables.

RESULTS

In total, 104 CP patients were enrolled in this study (68.3% idiopathic and 31.7% alcoholic). According to the M-ANNHEIM classification, 87.5% of the patients were at an early stage (0-II). Osteopenia was diagnosed in 30.8% of patients and osteoporosis in 5.8%; thus, a total of 36.5% of patients presented with osteopathy. In multivariate analysis, the independent risk factors for osteopathy in CP patients were age (OR = 1.04; 95% CI = 1.00-1.08; P = 0.030), BMI (OR = 0.72; 95% CI = 0.58-0.89; P = 0.003), and PTH (OR = 0.96; 95% CI = 0.93-1.00; P = 0.022).

CONCLUSIONS

This study is the first to report the prevalence of osteopathy in Chinese patients with CP. It found that age and low BMI are significant risk factors for osteopathy. Low PTH (but within the normal range) showed a weak association with osteopathy, which warrants further exploration.

Nutritional and health factors affecting the bioavailability of calcium: a narrative review

Calcium is responsible for the effectiveness of various processes, and its supply in the diet is necessary for the normal function of the human body. Apart from being an important component of the skeleton, calcium also helps maintain the structure of cell organelles and regulates intracellular and extracellular fluid homeostasis. This review presents the nutritional and health factors that affect the bioavailability of calcium. Physiological conditions and factors such as pregnancy, infancy, menopause, old age, hormones, growth factors associated with calcium metabolism, diseases limiting its absorption, and intestinal microbiota are distinguished among endogenous factors. Although the calcium supply in the body is genetically conditioned and specific to each person, its qualitative and quantitative composition can be modified by external factors. The exogenous factors include dietary modifications with particular nutrients and pharmacological treatment. Adequate calcium levels increase bone protection and prevent osteoporosis, a disease involving low mineral bone mass.

Pancreatectomy, Islet Cell Transplantation, and Nutrition Considerations

Pancreatic islet transplantation is a reliable approach for treating insulin-deficient diabetes. This established β-cell replacement approach has shown considerable improvements in the last 2 decades. It has helped achieve metabolic homeostasis and safe outcomes for a subset of patients with type 1 diabetes and severe pancreatitis. Nutrition support, until recently, was considered as a secondary factor, merely identified as a means of providing all the necessary nutrients for such patients. However, new literature suggests that several factors, such as the route, timing, quantity, and composition of all the nutrients administered, have key disease-altering properties and are vital during the perioperative management of such patients. This review will highlight the benefits of performing the clinical islet transplantation on a subgroup of patients with type 1 diabetes and pancreatitis and summarize new data that identify the pivotal role of nutrition support as a critical intervention in their management.