Global survey of controversies in classifying the severity of acute pancreatitis

Relationship between pancreatic hormones and glucose metabolism: A cross-sectional study in patients after acute pancreatitis

Abnormal glucose metabolism is present in almost 40% of patients after acute pancreatitis, but its pathophysiology has been poorly investigated. Pancreatic hormone derangements have been sparingly studied to date, and their relationship with abnormal glucose metabolism is largely unknown. The aim was to investigate the associations between pancreatic hormones and glucose metabolism after acute pancreatitis, including the effect of potential confounders. This was a cross-sectional study of 83 adult patients after acute pancreatitis. Fasting venous blood was collected from all patients and used for analysis of insulin, glucagon, pancreatic polypeptide, amylin, somatostatin, C-peptide, glucose, and hemoglobin A1c. Statistical analyses were conducted using the modified Poisson regression, multivariable linear regression, and Spearman's correlation. Age, sex, body mass index, recurrence of acute pancreatitis, duration from first attack, severity, and etiology were adjusted for. Increased insulin was significantly associated with abnormal glucose metabolism after acute pancreatitis, in both unadjusted (P = 0.038) and adjusted (P = 0.001) analyses. Patients with abnormal glucose metabolism also had significantly decreased pancreatic polypeptide (P = 0.001) and increased amylin (P = 0.047) in adjusted analyses. Somatostatin, C-peptide, and glucagon were not changed significantly in both unadjusted and adjusted analyses. Increased insulin resistance and reduced insulin clearance may be important components of hyperinsulinemic compensation in patients after acute pancreatitis. Increased amylin and reduced pancreatic polypeptide fasting levels characterize impaired glucose homeostasis. Clinical studies investigating islet-cell hormonal responses to mixed-nutrient meal testing and euglycemic-hyperinsulinemic clamps are now warranted for further insights into the role of pancreatic hormones in glucose metabolism derangements secondary to pancreatic diseases.

Ghrelin and gastroparesis as early predictors of clinical outcomes in acute pancreatitis

BACKGROUND

Impaired motor and hormonal gastrointestinal functions have been implicated in the pathogenesis of acute pancreatitis. The aim of the present study was to investigate the predictive value of the Gastroparesis Cardinal Symptom Index and serum ghrelin in the development of clinically meaningful outcomes in patients with acute pancreatitis.

METHODS

This was a prospective clinical study. The Gastroparesis Cardinal Symptom Index and serum ghrelin were measured for 48 h after hospitalization. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted.

RESULTS

The Gastroparesis Cardinal Symptom Index total score alone on day 2 was a significant predictor of oral feeding intolerance in both unadjusted (odds ratio 1.21 (1.01-1.46), P = 0.04) and adjusted (odds ratio 1.30 (1.01-1.69), P = 0.05) analyses. Adding ghrelin to Gastroparesis Cardinal Symptom Index further improved prediction in both unadjusted (odds ratio 1.26 (1.02-1.56), P = 0.03) and adjusted (odds ratio 1.53 (1.00-2.35), P = 0.05) analyses.

CONCLUSION

This pilot study demonstrates that the Gastroparesis Cardinal Symptom Index has a potential to be used as a predictor of oral feeding intolerance. Ghrelin, when combined with the Gastroparesis Cardinal Symptom Index, may further improve the predictive accuracy. These findings need to be confirmed in larger studies.

Determinant-based classification and revision of the Atlanta classification, which one should we choose to categorize acute pancreatitis?

BACKGROUND

Two new systems of acute pancreatitis (AP) severity classification, namely, the determinant-based classification (DBC) and the revision of the Atlanta classification (RAC), were recently published. Information is lacking on the differences between the two systems.

METHODS

We analyzed data from adult patients with AP (973 episodes), admitted to West China Hospital from July 2012 through March 2013. We validated and compared the DBC and RAC systems by investigating the discordances between the RAC and DBC.

RESULTS

Using the RAC system, 66%, 27%, and 7% of the patients were categorized as mild, moderately severe, and severe, respectively. Using the DBC system, 83%, 7%, 7%, and 2% patients were determined to have mild, moderate, severe, and critical AP, respectively. The mortality and ICU admission rates were similar between the subgroups of the severe category under the RAC system. The severe and critical categories had similar mortality rates [35% (7/20) vs. 29% (20/70), P = 0.59] based on DBC. A subgroup of severe category of DBC (IPN and no persistent OF) had significantly lower mortality rate than the other two subgroups of severe category of DBC (SPN and persistent OF; persistent OF and no PN) [0% (0/18) vs. 29% (10/34) vs. 56% (10/18), P < 0.05].

CONCLUSION

Some subgroups of severe categories under the DBC system did not accurately reflected clinical outcomes. RAC seemed to be a better choice to guide the selection of patient populations for clinical research and provide a more accurate description of AP classification in the clinical setting than DBC.

Natural resolution or intervention for fluid collections in acute severe pancreatitis

BACKGROUND

Revisions in terminology of fluid collections in acute pancreatitis have necessitated reanalysis of their evolution and outcome. The course of fluid collections in patients with acute pancreatitis was evaluated prospectively.

METHODS

Consecutive adults with acute pancreatitis, who had contrast-enhanced CT (CECT) within 5-7 days of symptom onset, were enrolled in a prospective cohort study in a tertiary-care centre. Patients were treated according to standard guidelines. Follow-up transabdominal ultrasonography was done at 4-week intervals for at least 6 months. CECT was repeated at 6-10 weeks, or at any time if there were new or persistent symptoms. Asymptomatic collections were followed until spontaneous resolution. Risk factors for pancreatic pseudocysts or walled-off necrosis (WON) were assessed in multivariable analyses.

RESULTS

Of 122 patients with acute pancreatitis, 109 were analysed. Some 91 patients (83·5 per cent) had fluid collections at baseline. Eleven of 29 with interstitial oedematous pancreatitis had acute peripancreatic fluid collections, none of which evolved into pseudocysts. All 80 patients with acute necrotizing pancreatitis had at least one acute necrotizing collection (ANC); of these, five patients died (2 after drainage), three underwent successful drainage within 5 weeks, and collections resolved spontaneously in 33 and evolved into WON in 39. By 6 months' follow-up, WON had required drainage in eight patients, resolved spontaneously in 23 and was persistent but asymptomatic in seven. Factors associated with increased risk of WON were blood urea nitrogen 20 mg/dl or more (odds ratio (OR) 10·96, 95 per cent c.i. 2·57 to 46·73; P = 0·001) and baseline ANC diameter greater than 6 cm (OR 14·57, 1·60 to 132·35; P = 0·017). Baseline ANC diameter over 6 cm was the only independent predictor of either the need for drainage or persistence of such collections beyond 6 months (hazard ratio 6·61, 1·77 to 24·59; P = 0·005).

CONCLUSION

Pancreatic pseudocysts develop infrequently in oedematous acute pancreatitis. Only one-quarter of ANCs either require intervention or persist beyond 6 months, whereas more than one-half of WONs resolve without any intervention within 6 months of onset. Baseline diameter of ANC(s) is an important predictor of outcome.

[International multidisciplinary classification of acute pancreatitis severity: the 2013 Spanish edition]

OBJECTIVE

To develop a new classification of acute pancreatitis severity on the basis of a sound conceptual framework, comprehensive review of the published evidence, and worldwide consultation.

BACKGROUNDS

The Atlanta definitions of acute pancreatitis severity are ingrained in the lexicon of specialist in pancreatic diseases, but are suboptimal because these definitions are based on the empiric description of events not associated with severity.

METHODS

A personal invitation to contribute to the development of a new classification of acute pancreatitis severity was sent to all surgeons, gastroenterologists, internists, intensivists and radiologists currently active in the field of clinical acute pancreatitis. The invitation was not limited to members of certain associations or residents of certain countries. A global web-based survey was conducted, and a dedicated international symposium was organized to bring contributors from different disciplines together and discuss the concept and definitions.

RESULTS

The new classification of severity is based on the actual local and systemic determinants of severity, rather than on the description of events that are non-causally associated with severity. The local determinant relates to whether there is (peri) pancreatic necrosis or not, and if present, whether it is sterile or infected. The systemic determinant relates to whether there is organ failure or not, and if present, whether it is transient or persistent. The presence of one determinant can modify the effect of another, whereby the presence of both infected (peri) pancreatic necrosis and persistent organ failure has a greater impact upon severity than either determinant alone. The derivation of a classification based on the above principles results in four categories of severity: mild, moderate, severe, and critical.

CONCLUSIONS

This classification is the result of a consultative process among specialists in pancreatic diseases from 49 countries spanning North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Oceania and Africa. It provides a set of concise up to date definitions of all the main entities pertinent to classifying the severity of acute pancreatitis in clinical practice and research. This ensures that the determinant-based classification can be used in a uniform manner throughout the world.

National survey of fluid therapy in acute pancreatitis: current practice lacks a sound evidence base

BACKGROUND

Fluid therapy (FT) is a critical intervention in managing acute pancreatitis (AP). There is a paucity of evidence to guide FT and virtually no data on current prescribing practice. This survey aims to characterize current practice and opinion with regard to FT in AP throughout New Zealand.

METHODS

Information was collected on fluid selection, administration, and goal-directed FT. The survey was distributed online and in print to all doctors employed in General Surgery Departments in New Zealand on 1 May 2012. Monthly email reminders were sent for 6 months.

RESULTS

The overall response rate was 47 % (n = 190/408). Crystalloids were the preferred initial fluid for all categories of severity; however, colloid use increased with severity (p < 0.001). Fluid volume also increased with severity (p = 0.001), with 74 % of respondents prescribing >4 L for AP with organ failure (OF). Clinicians treating 26-50 patients per year with AP were less likely to prescribe colloid for AP with OF (8 vs 43 %) (p = 0.001). Rate of fluid administration in AP with OF varied according to physicians' seniority (p = 0.004); consultants prescribed >4 L more than other groups (83 vs 68 %). Only 17 % of respondents reported the use of guidelines.

CONCLUSIONS

This survey reveals significant variation in prescription of FT for AP, and aggressive FT is commonly prescribed for AP with OF. There is little adherence to published guidelines or best available evidence.

Revised Atlanta and determinant-based classification: application in a prospective cohort of acute pancreatitis patients

OBJECTIVES

Atlanta classification (Atlanta 1992) of acute pancreatitis (AP) has several limitations. Two new classification systems were recently proposed: the Atlanta reclassification (Atlanta 2012) and the determinant-based classification (DBC). The aim of our study was to: (i) determine the association between different severity categories and clinical outcomes and (ii) perform a head-to-head comparison between Atlanta 1992, Atlanta 2012, and DBC in predicting these clinical outcomes.

METHODS

A total of 256 prospectively enrolled patients were assigned a severity category for all three classifications. Five clinical outcomes were evaluated: mortality, intensive care unit (ICU) admission and length of stay (LOS), need for interventions, and hospital LOS. Pairwise testing between severity grades within a classification system was performed using Fisher's exact and Kruskal-Wallis tests. Predictive accuracies were evaluated using area under the ROC curve (AUC) and Somer's D co-efficient.

RESULTS

Overall, higher grades of severity were associated with worse clinical outcomes for all three classification systems. Atlanta 2012 and DBC performed better than Atlanta 1992 and were comparable in predicting mortality (AUC 0.89 for both vs. 0.76, P<0.001), ICU admission (AUC 0.91 for both vs. 0.80, P<0.001), and ICU LOS (Somer's D 0.21 and 0.28 vs. 0.07, P<0.05). DBC performed better in predicting need for interventions (AUC 0.93 vs. 0.85, P<0.001), whereas Atlanta 2012 performed better in predicting hospital LOS (Somer's D 0.43 vs. 0.37, P=0.04).

CONCLUSIONS

Atlanta 2012 and DBC severity categories accurately reflected clinical outcomes in our cohort and were superior to Atlanta 1992. These novel classification systems can guide the selection of homogeneous patient populations for clinical research and provide an accurate spectrum of disease severity categories in the clinical setting.

Nutritional management of acute pancreatitis: the concept of 'gut rousing'

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Enteral nutrition has emerged as one of the most effective treatments in the early management of patients with acute pancreatitis. The original rationale for nutrition in acute pancreatitis, dating back to the mid-20th century, was to provide full nutritional requirements but avoid stimulating exocrine pancreatic secretion. The purpose of this article is to review the recent clinical studies of enteral nutrition in acute pancreatitis to revise the rationale and develop a contemporary conceptual framework for nutritional management of this disease.

RECENT FINDINGS

Several recent randomized controlled trials dispel the outdated concept of 'pancreatic rest', which equates with gut neglect, and offer 'gut rousing' as a preferred concept. The new concept postulates that gastrointestinal (dys)function has a discernible impact on the outcomes of patients with acute pancreatitis. Further, timely administration of appropriate intraluminal modalities prevents or mitigates the gastrointestinal dysfunction.

SUMMARY

Nutritional management in acute pancreatitis should aim primarily at maintaining the gastrointestinal function. Providing full nutritional requirements and avoiding pancreatic exocrine stimulation should be considered as secondary aims.

Determinant-based classification of acute pancreatitis severity: an international multidisciplinary consultation

OBJECTIVE

To develop a new international classification of acute pancreatitis severity on the basis of a sound conceptual framework, comprehensive review of published evidence, and worldwide consultation.

BACKGROUND

The Atlanta definitions of acute pancreatitis severity are ingrained in the lexicon of pancreatologists but suboptimal because these definitions are based on empiric description of occurrences that are merely associated with severity.

METHODS

A personal invitation to contribute to the development of a new international classification of acute pancreatitis severity was sent to all surgeons, gastroenterologists, internists, intensivists, and radiologists who are currently active in clinical research on acute pancreatitis. The invitation was not limited to members of certain associations or residents of certain countries. A global Web-based survey was conducted and a dedicated international symposium was organized to bring contributors from different disciplines together and discuss the concept and definitions.

RESULT

The new international classification is based on the actual local and systemic determinants of severity, rather than description of events that are correlated with severity. The local determinant relates to whether there is (peri)pancreatic necrosis or not, and if present, whether it is sterile or infected. The systemic determinant relates to whether there is organ failure or not, and if present, whether it is transient or persistent. The presence of one determinant can modify the effect of another such that the presence of both infected (peri)pancreatic necrosis and persistent organ failure have a greater effect on severity than either determinant alone. The derivation of a classification based on the above principles results in 4 categories of severity-mild, moderate, severe, and critical.

CONCLUSIONS

This classification is the result of a consultative process amongst pancreatologists from 49 countries spanning North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Oceania, and Africa. It provides a set of concise up-to-date definitions of all the main entities pertinent to classifying the severity of acute pancreatitis in clinical practice and research. This ensures that the determinant-based classification can be used in a uniform manner throughout the world.

The classification of acute pancreatitis: Current status

The Atlanta Classification of acute pancreatitis (AP) is widely accepted and has been used by physicians and radiologists since 1992. However, advances in knowledge of the disease process, improved imaging, and ever-changing treatment options have rendered some of its definitions ambiguous and highlighted the inadequacy of its classification of severity. This review discusses revision of the Atlanta Classification (2008) and it describes a new determinant-based classification (2012). In contrast to the Atlanta Classification, the revised version and new classification are based on evidence but still need to be developed through systematic review of new data and further international consultation.