A population-based study of severity in patients with acute on chronic pancreatitis

LBP and iFABP mismatch in the evaluation of intestinal barrier dysfunction due to SARS-CoV-2 infection

SARS-CoV-2 presents a hyperinflammatory scenario due to systemic inflammatory response syndrome with intense cytokine release, with consequent extrapulmonary involvement in 20 % of patients. The authors studied whether COVID-19 intestinal damage is a direct action of the virus on intestinal epithelial cells, with damage mainly at the tight junction. This is a retrospective observational study in a tertiary hospital emergency department. The authors studied 87 patients (46 patients over 61 years and 41 patients under 60 years old) with severe SARS-CoV-2 infection. The authors measured two plasma markers, LPS-Binding Protein (LBP) and ileal Fatty Acid-Binding Protein (iFABP). Furthermore, the authors evaluated the interaction between the two markers. TNF-α and IL-1 β were higher in bacterial co-infected patients and TNF-α was also higher in the older patients. Plasma iFABP levels were not statistically different in patients with bacterial co-infection; however, higher levels were found in the older population. Plasma LBP levels were higher in patients with bacterial co-infection when compared to patients without infection; however, when comparing plasma LBP levels in the older population with younger patients, no differences could be found. LBP, FABP, and cytokines can discriminate between bacterially infected patients and also discriminate elderly patients. The present study suggests that intestinal barrier dysfunction in SARS-CoV-2 infections is mainly due to damage to the intestinal tight junction complex with a disproportionately lower damage to enterocyte. In the older population, the authors also observed an increase in intestinal epithelial damage.

Comparison of acute pancreatitis and acute on chronic pancreatitis: a retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Acute on chronic pancreatitis (ACP) shares a similar clinical presentation with acute pancreatitis (AP) and is often diagnosed and treated in the same way. However, these two conditions may have distinct clinical risk profiles and prognoses. There is currently limited evidence available regarding the specific characteristics of ACP.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study included all adult patients admitted with a diagnosis of AP or ACP between 2017 and 2019 at two tertiary referral centers. The primary outcome was disease severity as defined by the Atlanta classification. Secondary outcomes included the presence of local and systemic complications, organ failure, ICU admission, and mortality. Differences in outcomes between ACP and AP were compared using multivariate logistic regression models, with results presented as odds ratios (ORs).

RESULTS

We included 1163 patients, 90% of whom had AP and 10% had ACP. ACP patients were predominantly male (81 vs. 46%; P  < 0.001), whereas AP patients were older (mean age 62.6 vs. 56.5 years, P  < 0.001). ACP patients had lower amylase and lipase levels ( P  < 0.001). Multivariate analysis showed no difference in the risk of moderate or severe pancreatitis (OR, 1.15; 95% CI, 0.66-1.98; P  = 0.615). ACP patients had a higher risk of local complications (predominantly pseudocysts) (OR, 1.71; 95% CI, 1.00-2.92; P  = 0.049) and a lower risk of organ failure ( P  = 0.019) and ICU admission ( P  = 0.005).

CONCLUSION

Our study confirms previous observations that ACP has a more favorable in-hospital prognosis than AP and extends these findings to a modern European setting.

Analysis of risk factors related to acute exacerbation in patients with chronic pancreatitis: a retrospective study of 313 cases from a single center in China

BACKGROUND

Acute on chronic pancreatitis(ACP) is a common cause of treatment in patients with chronic pancreatitis(CP). However, as far as we know, research on ACP has been few, and the quality may vary. This study intended to explore the risk factors related to acute exacerbation in patients with chronic pancreatitis.

METHODS

313 patients with CP were analyzed based on clinical data from 2014 to 2023 and categorized into ACP and non-ACP groups. Their data, assessed across eleven parameters, were used to study risk variables associated with acute exacerbation in patients with chronic pancreatitis.

RESULTS

Of the 313 eligible patients, 163(52.1%) were ACP. Age > 50 years old (P = 0.049, OR = 0.614, 95%CI: 0.378-0.998), recurrent acute pancreatitis(RAP) history (P = 0.000, OR = 3.284, 95%CI: 1.972-5.467) and steatorrhea (P = 0.013, OR = 0.189, 95%CI: 0.051-0.704) were related factors for ACP.

CONCLUSION

The history of RAP was an independent risk factor for ACP. Age and steatosis were protective of the prevalence of ACP.

Healthcare disparities in pancreatitis: knowledge gaps and next steps

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This review examines current research on healthcare disparities in pancreatitis, identifies knowledge gaps, and proposes strategies to develop targeted multilevel interventions to address inequities in pancreatitis care.

RECENT FINDINGS

Current literature has identified patient, disease, and healthcare-level factors contributing to disparities in risk factors and health outcomes of pancreatitis. Moreover, social structures, economic systems, social vulnerability, and policy significantly influence the pancreatitis care continuum.

SUMMARY

Understanding the root causes of health inequities is critical to developing effective approaches for the prevention, early detection, and management of pancreatitis.

Unraveling Proto-Oncogene (ErbB2) Expression in Patients With Carcinoma Head of Pancreas and Chronic Pancreatitis Patients: A Case-Control Study

Background The pre-malignant tendency of the normal, non-affected portion of the pancreas is not as well explored as the multicentricity documented in pancreatic cancer cases. In order to ascertain the expression of inflammatory markers and Erythroblastic Oncogene B (ErbB2) in the non-affected pancreas in patients with pancreatic cancer, a case-control study was carried out. Materials and methods In patients who underwent pancreatoduodenectomy for pancreatic cancer (PC), pro-inflammatory genes and a tumor marker, erythroblastic oncogene 2 (ErbB2) in the epidermal growth factor receptor family were analyzed in the pancreatic tissue at the cut surface of the normal pancreas using qRT-PCR. Twenty patients diagnosed with Chronic pancreatitis (CP) after Frey's surgical procedure were selected, and their pancreatic tissues were analyzed as controls. The HPLC-purified primers were designed using National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) software. The primer's specificity was verified for gene expression analysis using the Basic Local Alignment Search Tool (BLAST). The genes under study were normalized using β-actin as the housekeeping gene, and the 2-ddct method was used to compute the fold change compared to the control sample. Results Patients with margin-positive were not included. Pro-inflammatory genes (TNF-α, NF-kβ, and COX-2) had significantly lower foldchange in PC patients compared to the CP group. The CP control group had higher levels of IL-6 gene expression than the PC group. Patients with pancreatic cancer had a considerably higher expression of the ErbB2 gene than patients with CP. Conclusion The upregulated ErbB2 gene in the unaffected pancreatic tissue of pancreatic cancer patients, when compared to controls, indicates that the remaining pancreas may have the capacity to cause cancer. Proto-oncogene may play a role in the pathophysiologic process in patients with pancreatic cancer.

Anxiety, depression, and coping styles among patients with chronic pancreatitis in East China

BACKGROUND

Anxiety and depression are common psychological comorbidities in patients with chronic pancreatitis (CP). There is still a lack of epidemiological studies on anxiety and depression in Chinese CP patients. This study aimed to identify the incidence and related factor of anxiety and depression among East Chinese CP patients and explore the relationship between anxiety, depression, and coping styles.

METHODS

This prospective observational study was conducted from June 1, 2019 to March 31, 2021 in Shanghai, China. Patient diagnosed with CP were interviewed using the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics questionnaire, Self-rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), Self-rating Depression Scale (SDS), and Coping Style Questionnaire (CSQ). Multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify the related factors of anxiety and depression. Correlation test was preformed to analyze the correlation between anxiety, depression, and coping styles.

RESULTS

The incidence of anxiety and depression in East Chinese CP patients was 22.64% and 38.61%, respectively. Patients' previous health status, level of disease coping, frequency of abdominal pain episodes, and pain severity were significantly associated with anxiety and depression. Mature coping styles (Problem solving, Seeking for help) had a positive impact on anxiety and depression, while immature coping styles (Self-blame, Fantasy, Repression, Rationalization) had negative effects on anxiety and depression.

CONCLUSION

Anxiety and depression were common in patients with CP in China. The factors identified in this study may provide references for the management of anxiety and depression in CP patients.

Impact of comorbidities on hospital mortality in patients with acute pancreatitis: a population-based study of 110,021 patients

BACKGROUND

The impact of pre-existing comorbidities on acute pancreatitis (AP) mortality is not clearly defined. Our study aims to determine the trend in AP hospital mortality and the role of comorbidities as a predictor of hospital mortality.

METHODS

We analyzed patients aged ≥ 18 years hospitalized with AP diagnosis between 2016 and 2019. The data have been extracted from the Spanish National Hospital Discharge Database of the Spanish Ministry of Health. We performed a univariate and multivariable analysis of the association of age, sex, and comorbidities with hospital mortality in patients with AP. The role of the Charlson and Elixhauser comorbidity indices as predictors of mortality was evaluated.

RESULTS

A total of 110,021 patients diagnosed with AP were hospitalized during the analyzed period. Hospital mortality was 3.8%, with a progressive decrease observed in the years evaluated. In multivariable analysis, age ≥ 65 years (OR: 4.11, p < 0.001), heart disease (OR: 1.73, p < 0.001), renal disease (OR: 1.99, p < 0.001), moderate-severe liver disease (OR: 2.86, p < 0.001), peripheral vascular disease (OR: 1.43, p < 0.001), and cerebrovascular disease (OR: 1.63, p < 0.001) were independent risk factors for mortality. The Charlson > 1.5 (OR: 2.03, p < 0.001) and Elixhauser > 1.5 (OR: 2.71, p < 0.001) comorbidity indices were also independently associated with mortality, and ROC curve analysis showed that they are useful for predicting hospital mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

Advanced age, heart disease, renal disease, moderate-severe liver disease, peripheral vascular disease, and cerebrovascular disease before admission were independently associated with hospital mortality. The Charlson and Elixhauser comorbidity indices are useful for predicting hospital mortality in AP patients.

Position statement on the definition, incidence, diagnosis and outcome of acute on chronic pancreatitis

BACKGROUND

Acute on chronic pancreatitis (ACP) is a relatively common condition, but there are significant gaps in our knowledge on the definition, incidence, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis.

METHODS

A systematic review that followed PICO (Population; Intervention; Comparator; Outcome) recommendation for quantitative questions and PICo (Population, Phenomenon of Interest, Context) for qualitative research was done to answer 10 of the most relevant questions about ACP. Quality of evidence was judged by the GRADE criteria (Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development and Evaluation). The manuscript was sent for review to 12 international experts from various disciplines and continents using a Delphi process.

RESULTS

The quality of evidence, for most statements, was low to very low, which means that the recommendations in general are only conditional. Despite that, it was possible to reach strong levels of agreement by the expert panel for all 10 questions. A new consensus definition of ACP was reached. Although common, the real incidence of ACP is not known, with alcohol as a major risk factor. Although pain dominates, other non-specific symptoms and signs can be present. Serum levels of pancreatic enzymes may be less than 3 times the upper limit of normal and cross-sectional imaging is considered more accurate for the diagnosis in many cases. It appears that it is less severe and with a lower mortality risk than acute pancreatitis.

CONCLUSIONS

Although the evidence base is poor, this position statement provides a foundation from which to advance management of ACP.

Confusion with the definition and diagnostic criteria for acute on chronic pancreatitis: review and recommendations

OBJECTIVES

Chronic pancreatitis (CP) is a fibroinflammatory disease complicated by episodes of acute inflammation (acute on chronic pancreatitis (ACP)). This entity is common, variably defined and can reflect different pathological mechanisms that requires different interventions. The aim of this study is to conduct a systematic review of how ACP is described, defined and diagnosed in the literature.

METHODS

A systematic search was conducted from January 1993 to June 2020. All articles that used a term to describe ACP in adults were reviewed and definitions and diagnostic criteria were sought.

RESULTS

After reviewing 2271 abstracts, 848 articles included a term to describe ACP. The most common descriptions were 'acute on/in CP' (374), 'acute exacerbation of CP' (345) and 'flare(-up) of CP' (43). Among the 848 articles, 14 included a pragmatic definition of ACP, and only 2 papers stated diagnostic criteria. These covered both acute inflammation and acute exacerbation of chronic abdominal pain.

CONCLUSION

There is no universally accepted term, definition or diagnostic criteria for ACP. A consensus definition is needed to improve quality and comparability of future articles as well as clinical management.

Different clinical characteristics between recurrent and non-recurrent acute pancreatitis: A retrospective cohort study from a tertiary hospital

BACKGROUND

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is a common digestive disorder with different clinical outcomes, some of which develop into recurrent acute pancreatitis (RAP). This study aimed to explore the differences between AP and RAP.

METHODS

All patients with AP admitted to Changsha Central Hospital between January 2015 and December 2020 were included. Characteristics between RAP and non-RAP groups were compared. Independent factors associated with RAP were identified by multivariate logistic regression analyses.

RESULTS

This was a retrospective study. A total of 1567 patients, including 262 patients in the RAP group and 1305 patients in the non-RAP group, were enrolled. Compared to the non-RAP group, results indicated that the RAP group was younger (P < 0.001), had a male predominance (P < 0.001), and had higher incidences of diabetes (P < 0.001) and hypertriglyceridemia (HTG) (P < 0.001). Lower incidences of cholelithiasis (P < 0.001) and acute liver injury (P < 0.001) were also noted in the RAP group. Scores of Ranson, BISAP, SOFA, and APACHE II were significantly higher in the non-RAP group (P < 0.001 for all). Three independent factors associated with RAP, including male gender (P = 0.006), diabetes (P < 0.001), and HTG (P < 0.001), were identified by multivariate logistic regression.

CONCLUSION

Compared to the non-RAP, the incidence of cholelithiasis and acute liver injury was lower in RAP. Three independent factors associated with RAP, namely male, diabetes, and HTG, were identified.

Individualized Prediction of Acute Pancreatitis Recurrence Using a Nomogram

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this study was to develop and validate a model, based on the blood biochemical (BBC) indexes, to predict the recurrence of acute pancreatitis patients.

METHODS

We retrospectively enrolled 923 acute pancreatitis patients (586 in the primary cohort and 337 in the validation cohort) from January 2014 to December 2016. Aiming for an extreme imbalance between recurrent acute pancreatitis (RAP) and non-RAP patients (about 1:4), we designed BBC index selection using least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression, along with an ensemble-learning strategy to obtain a BBC signature. Multivariable logistic regression was used to build the RAP predictive model.

RESULTS

The BBC signature, consisting of 35 selected BBC indexes, was significantly higher in patients with RAP (P < 0.001). The area under the curve of the receiver operating characteristic curve of BBC signature model was 0.6534 in the primary cohort and 0.7173 in the validation cohort. The RAP predictive nomogram incorporating the BBC signature, age, hypertension, and diabetes showed better discrimination, with an area under the curve of 0.6538 in the primary cohort and 0.7212 in the validation cohort.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study developed a RAP predictive nomogram with good performance, which could be conveniently and efficiently used to optimize individualized prediction of RAP.

Acute-on-Chronic Pancreatitis: Analysis of Clinical Profile and Outcome

OBJECTIVE

Overall, a handful of studies are available on the outcomes of acute-on-chronic pancreatitis (ACP). We aimed to provide a more complete and updated picture of ACP.

METHODS

We evaluated consecutive patients of acute exacerbation of chronic pancreatitis (CP) in a tertiary care center located in north India and studied their epidemiological profiles, etiological factors as well as outcomes.

RESULTS

Forty-five patients of ACP with a mean age of 37±13 years were evaluated. The majority of the patients were male (75%) and alcohol was the most common detectable etiology while no etiology could be identified in 35% of patients after extensive laboratory investigations and imaging. Moderately severe pancreatitis was noted in 73% of patients and 49% of patients had necrotizing pancreatitis out of which the majority (33%) had both pancreatic as well as extra-pancreatic necrosis (EPN). Five patients (11%) were subjected to percutaneous catheter drainage. Persistent organ failure was noted in 9% of patients and two (4.5%) patients had died from organ failure.

CONCLUSION

To conclude, this study has demonstrated that ACP has a milder disease course and low morbidity and mortality. Early elimination of the etiological factor is essential for optimal outcome.

Sex-Related Differences of Acute and Chronic Pancreatitis in Adults

The incidence of acute and chronic pancreatitis is increasing in the United States. Rates of acute pancreatitis (AP) are similar in both sexes, but chronic pancreatitis (CP) is more common in males. When stratified by etiology, women have higher rates of gallstone AP, while men have higher rates of alcohol- and tobacco-related AP and CP, hypercalcemic AP, hypertriglyceridemic AP, malignancy-related AP, and type 1 autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP). No significant sex-related differences have been reported in medication-induced AP or type 2 AIP. Whether post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis is sex-associated remains controversial. Animal models have demonstrated sex-related differences in the rates of induction and severity of AP, CP, and AIP. Animal and human studies have suggested that a combination of risk factor profiles, as well as genes, may be responsible for the observed differences. More investigation into the sex-related differences of AP and CP is desired in order to improve clinical management by developing effective prevention strategies, diagnostics, and therapeutics.

Predictors of underlying pancreatic cancer in patients with acute pancreatitis: a Danish nationwide cohort study

BACKGROUND

To identify demographic characteristics, comorbidities, medical procedures, and prescription drug use that may act as predictors of underlying pancreatic cancer in acute pancreatitis.

METHODS

A cohort study of all patients admitted to Danish hospitals with incident acute pancreatitis during 1999-2015. The ability of age, sex, selected comorbidities, medical procedures, and prescription drug use to predict underlying pancreatic cancer in acute pancreatitis (i.e., pancreatic cancer diagnosed up to one year after acute pancreatitis) was examined. The absolute risk and odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) of cancer was computed for each variable.

RESULTS

28,231 patients with incident acute pancreatitis, of which 283 (1.0%) had underlying pancreatic cancer, were included. Age >50 years was a predictor of pancreatic cancer with highest risk in patients aged 56-70 years. New-onset chronic pancreatitis (multivariable OR: 2.36 [95% CI: 1.35-4.14]) and new-onset diabetes (multivariable OR: 1.94 [95% CI: 1.30-2.92]) were also predictors of pancreatic cancer. Diagnoses of biliary or alcohol-related diseases were predictors of no underlying pancreatic cancer. Most variables examined had no or limited predictive ability.

CONCLUSION

Age, new-onset chronic pancreatitis, new-onset diabetes, and absence of biliary or alcohol-related diseases were predictors of underlying pancreatic cancer in acute pancreatitis patients.

Opioid use disorder in admissions for acute exacerbations of chronic pancreatitis and 30-day readmission risk: A nationwide matched analysis

BACKGROUND

The opioid epidemic in the United States has been on the rise. Acute exacerbations of chronic pancreatitis (AECP) patients are at higher risk for Opioid Use Disorder (OUD). Evidence on OUD's impact on healthcare utilization, especially hospital re-admissions is scarce. We measured the impact of OUD on 30-day readmissions, in patients admitted with AECP from 2010 to 2014.

METHODS

This is a retrospective cohort study which included patients with concurrently documented CP and acute pancreatitis as first two diagnoses, from the National Readmissions Database (NRD). Pancreatic cancer patients and those who left against medical advice were excluded. We compared the 30-day readmission risk between OUD-vs.-non-OUD, while adjusting for other confounders, using multivariable exact-matched [(EM); 18 confounders; n = 28,389] and non-EM regression/time-to-event analyses.

RESULTS

189,585 patients were identified. 6589 (3.5%) had OUD. Mean age was 48.7 years and 57.5% were men. Length-of-stay (4.4 vs 3.9 days) and mean index hospitalization costs ($10,251 vs. $9174) were significantly higher in OUD-compared to non-OUD-patients (p < 0.001). The overall mean 30-day readmission rate was 27.3% (n = 51,806; 35.3% in OUD vs. 27.0% in non-OUD; p < 0.001). OUD patients were 25% more likely to be re-admitted during a 30-day period (EM-HR: 1.25; 95%CI: 1.16-1.36; p < 0.001), Majority of readmissions were pancreas-related (60%), especially AP. OUD cases' aggregate readmissions costs were $23.3 ± 1.5 million USD (n = 2289).

CONCLUSION

OUD contributes significantly to increased readmission risk in patients with AECP, with significant downstream healthcare costs. Measures against OUD in these patients, such as alternative pain-control therapies, may potentially alleviate such increase in health-care resource utilization.

Acute pancreatitis in end-stage renal disease patients in the USA: a nationwide, propensity score-matched analysis

BACKGROUND

Limited data exist regarding the effects of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) on acute pancreatitis (AP). This study aimed to evaluate the association between ESRD and outcomes and resource utilization of AP.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The 2014 National Inpatient Sample database was used to identify all hospitalized patients with a principal diagnosis of AP. Propensity score matching was performed to create a matched cohort of ESRD and non-ESRD patients. The in-hospital mortality, morbidity, resource utilization and expenditures of AP in ESRD patients were compared to non-ESRD patients. Multivariate analysis was performed for further adjustment for potential confounders.

RESULTS

Of 382 595 AP patients, 7380 ESRD patients and 8050 non-ESRD patients were created after propensity score matching. ESRD patients had more tendency to have hypercalcemia-related or AP-related to other/unspecified causes, whereas non-ESRD patients had more tendency to have alcohol-related, gallstone-related, and hypertriglyceridemia-related AP. In multivariate analysis, ESRD was associated with increased in-hospital mortality, increased length of hospital stay, and increased hospitalization costs and charges. No differences were observed in inpatient morbidity, imaging study use, and procedures performed during hospitalization.

CONCLUSION

In this large nationwide study using inpatient USA database, we demonstrate higher AP-related mortality, and resource utilization among ESRD patients when compared with non-ESRD patients.

Aging and Comorbidities in Acute Pancreatitis II.: A Cohort-Analysis of 1203 Prospectively Collected Cases

Introduction: Our meta-analysis indicated that aging influences the outcomes of acute pancreatitis (AP), however, a potential role for comorbidities was implicated, as well. Here, we aimed to determine how age and comorbidities modify the outcomes in AP in a cohort-analysis of Hungarian AP cases. Materials and Methods: Data of patients diagnosed with AP by the revised Atlanta criteria were extracted from the Hungarian Registry for Pancreatic Patients. Outcomes of interest were mortality, severity, length of hospitalization, local, and systemic complications of AP. Comorbidities were measured by means of Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) covering pre-existing chronic conditions. Non-parametric univariate and multivariate statistics were used in statistical analysis. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. Results: A total of 1203 patients from 18 centers were included. Median age at admission was 58 years (range: 18-95 years), median CCI was 2 (range: 0-10). Only severe comorbidities (CCI ≥ 3) predicted mortality (OR = 4.48; CI: 1.57-12.80). Although severe comorbidities predicted AP severity (OR = 2.10, CI: 1.08-4.09), middle (35-64 years) and old age (≥65 years) were strong predictors with borderline significance, as well (OR = 7.40, CI: 0.99-55.31 and OR = 6.92, CI: 0.91-52.70, respectively). Similarly, middle and old age predicted a length of hospitalization ≥9 days. Interestingly, the middle-aged patients (35-64 years) were three times more likely to develop pancreatic necrosis than young adults (OR = 3.21, CI: 1.26-8.19), whereas the old-aged (≥65 years) were almost nine times more likely to develop systemic complications than young adults (OR = 8.93, CI: 1.20-66.80), though having severe comorbidities (CCI ≥ 3) was a predisposing factor, as well. Conclusion: Our results proved that both aging and comorbidities modify the outcomes of AP. Comorbidities determine mortality whereas both comorbidities and aging predict severity of AP. Regarding complications, middle-aged patients are the most likely to develop local complications; in contrast, those having severe comorbidities are prone to develop systemic complications. Studies validating the implementation of CCI-based predictive scores are awaited.

Influence of age, body mass index and comorbidity on major outcomes in acute pancreatitis, a prospective nation-wide multicentre study

BACKGROUND

There are few large prospective cohort studies evaluating predictors of outcomes in acute pancreatitis.

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to determine the role of age and co-morbid disease in predicting major outcomes in acute pancreatitis.

METHODS

Data points were collected according to a predefined electronic data collection form. Acute pancreatitis and its complications were defined according to the revised Atlanta classification. Univariable and multivariable analyses were conducted using Cox proportional hazard regression and multiple logistic regression.

RESULTS

From June 2013-February 2015, 1655 adult patients were recruited from 23 centres across Spain. Co-morbid disease, obesity, open surgical necrosectomy within 30 days, and pancreatic necrosis were independently associated with both 30-day mortality and persistent organ failure (p < 0.05 for all). Age was not associated with persistent organ failure, however the extreme of age (>85 years) was associated with mortality (p < 0.05). Co-morbid disease and obesity were not independently associated with a prolonged length of stay or other markers of morbidity on adjusted analysis (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Comorbidity and obesity are important determinates of mortality and persistent organ failure in acute pancreatitis, but in the absence of organ failure they do not appear to independently contribute to morbidity. This has important implications for severity classification and predictive models of severity in acute pancreatitis.

Persistent SIRS and acute fluid collections are associated with increased CT scanning in acute interstitial pancreatitis

BACKGROUND

The use of computed tomography (CT) in acute pancreatitis (AP) continues to increase in parallel with the increasing use of diagnostic imaging in clinical medicine.

AIM

To determine the factors associated with obtaining >1 CT scan in acute interstitial pancreatitis (AIP).

METHODS

Demographic and clinical data of all adult patients admitted between 1/2010 and 1/2015 with AP (AP) were evaluated. Only patients with a CT severity index (CTSI) ≤ 3 on a CT obtained within 48 h of presentation were included.

RESULTS

A total of 229 patients were included, of whom 206 (90%) had a single CT and 23 (10%) had >1 CT during the first week of hospitalization. Patients undergoing >1 CT had significantly higher rates of acute fluid collection (AFC), persistent SIRS, opioid use ≥4 days, and persistent organ failure compared to those undergoing 1 CT (p < .05 for all). On multivariable analysis, only persistent SIRS (OR = 3.6, 95% CI 1.4-9.6, p = .01) and an AFC on initial CT (OR = 3.5, 95% CI 1.4-9, p = .009) were independently associated with obtaining >1 CT.

CONCLUSION

An AFC on initial CT and persistent SIRS are associated with increased CT imaging in AIP patients. However, these additional CT scans did not change clinical management.

Early detection of sporadic pancreatic cancer: time for change

Sporadic pancreatic cancer amounts to ∼90% of all pancreatic cancers. It is a gloomy depressive disease and the most recalcitrant malignancy, with a very low 5-year survival (3-6%). At present, diagnostic methods are commonly applied, as used half a century ago, after the appearance of local and systemic symptoms (abdominal and back pain, cholestasis, painless jaundice, fatigue, anorexia, weight loss, anemia, peripheral phlebitis, and cachexia). Unfortunately, these symptoms are harbingers of an advanced disease. The subsequent imaging methods may offer additional information on the location, size, and morphology of the lesion, but they do not influence the prognosis. Radical surgery may be offered to 15-20% of patients. The relapses after surgery are frequent and chemotherapy may be palliative. Preventive programs represent the only possibility of improvement. We propose the first multistep and multidisciplinary preventive program for early detection of sporadic pancreatic cancer for the differential identification of average-risk patients who probably have the disease from those who do not.

The Changing Epidemiology of Acute Pancreatitis Hospitalizations: A Decade of Trends and the Impact of Chronic Pancreatitis

OBJECTIVES

The epidemiological trends contributing to increasing acute pancreatitis (AP) hospitalizations remain unknown. We sought to analyze etiological factors and outcomes of increasing AP hospitalizations.

METHODS

Utilizing the Nationwide Inpatient Sample, retrospective analyses of adult (≥18 years) inpatient admissions with a primary diagnosis of AP (N = 2,016,045) were performed. Patient hospitalizations from 2009 to 2012 were compared with those from 2002 to 2005.

RESULTS

Compared with 2002-2005, there was a 13.2% (P < 0.001) increase in AP admissions in 2009-2012. Multivariate analysis adjusted for "period," patient and hospital demographics, AP etiologies, and disease associations demonstrated an increase in the odds of associated chronic pancreatitis (CP) [2002-2005: odds ratio, (OR), 32.04; 95% confidence interval (CI), 30.51-33.64; 2009-2012: OR, 35.02; 95% CI, 33.94-36.14], whereas associated odds of gallstones (2002-2005: OR, 36.37; 95% CI, 35.32-37.46; 2009-2012: OR, 29.85; 95% CI, 29.09-30.64) decreased. Compared with 2002-2005, the AP-related mortality decreased in 2009-2012 (1.62%-0.79%, P < 0.001) and was lower in AP with associated CP (0.65%-0.26%; P < 0.001) compared with AP without CP.

CONCLUSION

In the preceding decade, AP hospitalizations increased, but associated mortality declined. Associated CP has emerged as a leading contributor for AP-related hospitalizations. Further research is needed to identify novel interventions to prevent disease progression of AP.

Clinical features of acute obstructive suppurative pancreatic ductitis: A retrospective review of 20 cases

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

The clinical features of acute obstructive suppurative pancreatic ductitis (AOSPD) have not been elucidated. We aimed to clarify the clinical features of AOSPD.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the clinical features of 20 patients with AOSPD at two tertiary referral centers between 1993 and 2012. We compared 17 AOSPD patients with chronic pancreatitis (CP) and 42 patients with acute-on-CP in terms of clinical characteristics, presentation, and laboratory and imaging findings.

RESULTS

The etiology of AOSPD involved CP in 17 (85%) patients, pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma in 2 (10%), and intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm in 1 (5%). Endoscopic pancreatic drainage was effective in 19 (95%) patients. Body temperature was significantly higher in AOSPD with CP than acute-on-CP patients (median: 38.2 vs 36.9 °C; P < 0.001). Serum amylase levels at onset were significantly lower (median: 133 vs 364.5 U/L; P = 0.009), and C-reactive protein was significantly higher (median: 9.42 vs 1.06 mg/dL; P < 0.001) in AOSPD with CP patients. Enlargement of the pancreatic parenchyma (18 vs 93%; P < 0.001) and stranding of the surrounding fat (12 vs 93%; P < 0.001) on computed tomography were observed less frequently in patients with AOSPD with CP patients. The diameter of the main pancreatic duct was significantly greater in AOSPD with CP than acute-on-CP patients (median: 7 vs 5 mm; P = 0.006).

CONCLUSIONS

The major etiology of AOSPD involved CP, and endoscopic pancreatic drainage was effective. The clinical features differ between AOSPD with CP and acute-on-CP.

Influence of comorbidity on outcomes of older patients with acute pancreatitis based on a national administrative database

BACKGROUND

Little information is available on the influence of comorbidities on outcomes of older patients with acute pancreatitis. This study aimed to investigate the influence of comorbidities on outcomes of older patients with acute pancreatitis using data from a national Japanese administrative database.

METHODS

A total of 14 322 older patients (≥70 years) with acute pancreatitis were referred to 1090 hospitals between 2010 and 2012 in Japan. We collected patients' data from the administrative database to compare the in-hospital mortality and length of stay of older patients with acute pancreatitis. The patients were categorized into four groups according to comorbidity level using the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI): none (CCI score=0; n=6890); mild (1; n=3874); moderate (2; n=2192) and severe (≥3; n=1366).

RESULTS

Multiple logistic and linear regression analyses revealed that severe comorbidity was significantly associated with higher in-hospital mortality and longer length of stay [odds ratio (OR)=2.26; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.75-2.92, P<0.001 and coefficient 4.37 days; 95% CI: 2.89-5.85, P<0.001, respectively]. In addition, cardiovascular and renal diseases were the most significant comorbidities affecting outcomes of the older patients. ORs of cardiovascular and renal diseases for mortality were 1.44 (95% CI: 1.13-1.85, P=0.003) and 2.69 (95% CI: 1.88-3.85, P<0.001), respectively, and coefficients for length of stay were 3.01 days (95% CI: 1.34-4.67, P<0.001) and 3.72 days (95% CI: 1.01-6.42, P=0.007), respectively.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrated that comorbidities significantly influenced outcomes of older patients with acute pancreatitis and cardiovascular and renal comorbidities were significant factors affecting outcomes.

Decreased Severity in Recurrent Versus Initial Episodes of Acute Pancreatitis

OBJECTIVES

The comparative outcomes of initial versus recurrent acute pancreatitis (AP) have not been clearly established.

AIM

The aim was to compare the clinical outcomes of those with an initial episode of AP to those with recurrent AP stratified by the number of prior episodes.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study included consecutive patients with AP admitted to the Cleveland Clinic between 2008 and 2011. The odds of severe AP, multisystem organ failure, ICU admission, new local complications, elevated blood urea nitrogen and bedside index for severity in acute pancreatitis score, systemic inflammatory response syndrome, and mortality were compared using univariable and multivariable logistic regression.

RESULTS

Two hundred and ninety two patients were included, of which 213 (72%) were admitted on their initial AP episode. Mortality in patients experiencing first episode was 4.7%, compared to 0% in patients with recurrent attack of pancreatitis (P = 0.047). Prior episodes of AP were found to be protective against multisystem organ failure (odds ratio, 0.14 for each prior episode; confidence interval, 0.01-0.76) and intensive care unit admission (0.24, confidence interval, 0.06-0.91), adjusting for potential confounding factors such as transfer status and obesity.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients presenting with recurrent AP may be at decreased risk of a clinically severe course and incur decreased mortality.

Lysosome associated membrane proteins maintain pancreatic acinar cell homeostasis: LAMP-2 deficient mice develop pancreatitis

BACKGROUND & AIMS

The pathogenic mechanism of pancreatitis is poorly understood. Recent evidence implicates defective autophagy in pancreatitis responses; however, the pathways mediating impaired autophagy in pancreas remain largely unknown. Here, we investigate the role of lysosome associated membrane proteins (LAMPs) in pancreatitis.

METHODS

We analyzed changes in LAMPs in experimental models and human pancreatitis, and the underlying mechanisms: LAMP de-glycosylation and degradation. LAMP cleavage by cathepsin B (CatB) was analyzed by mass spectrometry. We used mice deficient in LAMP-2 to assess its role in pancreatitis.

RESULTS

Pancreatic levels of LAMP-1 and LAMP-2 greatly decrease across various pancreatitis models and in human disease. Pancreatitis does not trigger LAMPs' bulk de-glycosylation, but induces their degradation via CatB-mediated cleavage of LAMP molecule close to the boundary between luminal and transmembrane domains. LAMP-2 null mice spontaneously develop pancreatitis that begins with acinar cell vacuolization due to impaired autophagic flux, and progresses to severe pancreas damage characterized by trypsinogen activation, macrophage-driven inflammation, and acinar cell death. LAMP-2 deficiency causes a decrease in pancreatic digestive enzymes content, stimulates the basal and inhibits CCK-induced amylase secretion by acinar cells. The effects of LAMP-2 knockout and acute cerulein pancreatitis overlap, which corroborates the pathogenic role of LAMP decrease in experimental pancreatitis models.

CONCLUSIONS

The results indicate a critical role for LAMPs, particularly LAMP-2, in maintaining pancreatic acinar cell homeostasis, and provide evidence that defective lysosomal function, resulting in impaired autophagy, leads to pancreatitis. Mice with LAMP-2 deficiency present a novel genetic model of human pancreatitis caused by lysosomal/autophagic dysfunction.