Psychiatric Comorbidity in Patients With Chronic Pancreatitis Associates With Pain and Reduced Quality of Life

Efficacy and safety of continuous glucose monitoring on glycaemic control in patients with chronic pancreatitis and insulin-treated diabetes: A randomised, open-label, crossover trial

AIMS

Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) improves glycaemic control and reduces hypoglycaemia in type 1 and 2 diabetes, but its role in managing diabetes in chronic pancreatitis is unknown. We aimed to investigate the effect of CGM compared to self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) on hypoglycaemia and glycaemic control in patients with chronic pancreatitis and insulin-treated diabetes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In a randomised, open-label, crossover trial, 30 participants with chronic pancreatitis and insulin-treated diabetes were randomised to 50 days of CGM or SMBG, separated by a 20-day washout period. The primary endpoint was time in level 2 hypoglycaemia (<3.0 mmol/L). Secondary endpoints included additional CGM metrics, HbA1c, daily insulin dose, questionnaires, and safety outcomes.

RESULTS

Twenty-nine participants completed the trial (mean age 64.4 ± 8.8 years; 22 men [75.9%]). There was a numerical reduction in time spent in level 2 hypoglycaemia with CGM compared to SMBG (mean difference -0.36%, 95% confidence interval (CI) -0.78% to 0.06%; p = 0.09). CGM improved time in range (3.9-10.0 mmol/L; mean difference 7.46%, 95% CI 1.67% to 13.25%; p = 0.01), reduced time above range (>10.0 mmol/L; mean difference -6.55%, 95% CI -12.59% to -0.51%; p = 0.04), and reduced time below range (<3.9 mmol/L; mean difference -0.91%, 95% CI -1.79% to -0.03%; p = 0.04) compared to SMBG. No differences were observed for the safety endpoints.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with chronic pancreatitis and insulin-treated diabetes, CGM increased time in range and reduced time above and below range. These findings highlight the potential of CGM in improving glycaemic control.

Prevalence and Patterns of Opioid Use in Chronic Pancreatitis

INTRODUCTION

Opioids are used to treat pain in chronic pancreatitis (CP), but little is known about current use patterns. The aim of this study was to characterize the utilization of opioids and associations with clinical characteristics in adult patients with CP.

METHODS

This cross-sectional analysis used baseline data from participants with definite CP enrolled in a cohort study in the United States (PROspective Evaluation of CP for EpidEmiologic and Translational StuDies). Data on demographics, pain medication use, healthcare utilization, disability, and pain patterns were systematically collected in case report forms while quality of life was assessed with patient-reported outcome instruments. Opioid use was classified according to strength (weak or strong) and frequency (scheduled or as-needed).

RESULTS

A total of 681 participants (n = 364, 53% male) were included: 299 (44%) were current opioid users (22% only weak opioids and 22% at least 1 strong opioid). Increasing frequency and severity of pain was associated with increase of weak, strong, as-needed, or scheduled opioids. Neuromodulators were used by ∼40% of participants; increasing use was associated with increasing frequency and severity of pain. On multivariate analysis, independent predictors associated with strength and frequency of current opioid use were pain patterns (odds ratios [ORs] 1.84-8.32 and ORs 1.92-8.52, respectively, P < 0.001) and prior celiac plexus block (OR 3.54, 95% confidence intervals 1.82-6.87 and OR 3.42, 95% confidence intervals 1.76-6.64, respectively). Participants using opioids had higher prevalence of disability, healthcare utilization, and poorer quality of life.

DISCUSSION

Opioid use in CP is common and associated with increased pain severity and constancy. These data provide foundational estimates for future trials that can elucidate the complex interactions between patient factors, pain, and interventions.

Risk factors associated with pain and pain relief in patients with chronic pancreatitis

BACKGROUND

Abdominal pain is one of the most prominent symptoms in patients with chronic pancreatitis (CP) and can manifest intermittently or persistently. The mechanism of pain is not yet clear, and no effective treatment is currently available. This study aimed to explore the risk factors for pain in patients with CP, which may provide new insights for developing effective pain control modalities.

METHODS

This clinical study was based on a single-centre research database that included 570 patients with CP. We compared the differences in baseline data, clinical characteristics, and psychophysiology traits between patients with and without pain. Subsequently, patients will be followed up to assess changes in their risk factors and explore their relationship with pain.

RESULTS

In the final risk factor model, young age (P = .031; odds ratio [OR] = 0.986 [0.973, 0.999]), prolonged disease duration (P < .001; OR = 1.307 [1.127, 1.516]), heavy smoking (P = .014; OR = 1.331 [1.060, 1.617]), alcohol consumption (P = .003; OR = 1.419 [1.127, 1.788]), low body mass index (P < .001; OR = 0.786 [0.703, 0.879]), pancreatic exocrine insufficiency (P = .040; OR = 1.683 [1.024, 2.767]), acute pancreatitis attacks (P = .027; OR = 1.759 [1.067, 2.902]), anxiety, and depression (P = .016; OR = 1.047 [1.009, 1.088]; P = .014; OR = 1.068 [1.013, 1.126]) were associated with CP pain. Reducing tobacco and alcohol intake (P = .001; OR = 2.367 [1.525, 4.637]; P = .024; OR = 2.011 [1.085, 3.199]), increasing the body mass index (P = .005; OR = 1.968 [1.265, 3.805]), and improving anxiety (P = .001; OR = 1.164 [1.081, 1.340]) were identified to be beneficial for pain relief. Compared to the effects on persistent pain, pancreatic enzyme supplementation (P = .004; OR = 1.794 [1.186, 2.502]) had a clear effect on intermittent pain in patients with CP.

CONCLUSION

We identified a multifactorial model of pain risk factors for CP and confirmed that modifying these risk factors could influence patient pain symptoms.

The impact of pancreatic endotherapy on quality of life in chronic pancreatitis

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Pancreatic endotherapy (PET) offers a treatment option for adverse events of chronic pancreatitis (CP) such as pancreatic duct (PD) strictures, stones, and pseudocysts. Previous studies have primarily focused on how PET affects pain, so the primary aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of PET on quality of life.

METHODS

This single-center prospective study assessed quality of life before the initiation of endotherapy using a validated CP-specific quality of life instrument. Quality of life, pain levels, and opiate use were also measured at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months' follow-up. PET modalities included therapeutic PD stent placement, PD stone lithotripsy, endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided pseudocyst drainage, and celiac plexus block (EUS-CPB). A repeated-measures mixed effects model was used to compare pre- and post-PET changes in quality of life at each follow-up point.

RESULTS

A total of 120 subjects with CP (mean age 52.3 years, 58.3% female) were included in this study. PET modalities consisted primarily of therapeutic PD stenting (49.2%), EUS-CPB (32.5%), and PD stone lithotripsy (16.7%). Significant improvements in quality of life scores were seen at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after PET completion, with the greatest improvement seen at 6 months (mean increase of 15.5 points). Significant improvements in pain levels were seen at 1 and 6 months, but not at 12 months. Decrease in opiate use was seen at all follow-up points.

CONCLUSIONS

PET is associated with improvement in quality of life up to 1 year after treatment, but pain improvement was seen only to 6 months, reflecting the complexity of pain management in this difficult patient population. Further studies are needed to predict responders to endotherapy.

Narrative nursing for negative emotions in patients with acute pancreatitis: Based on model construction and application

BACKGROUND

Acute pancreatitis (AP), as a common acute abdomen disease, has a high incidence rate worldwide and is often accompanied by severe complications. Negative emotions lead to increased secretion of stress hormones, elevated blood sugar levels, and enhanced insulin resistance, which in turn increases the risk of AP and significantly affects the patient's quality of life. Therefore, exploring the intervention effects of narrative nursing programs on the negative emotions of patients with AP is not only helpful in alleviating psychological stress and improving quality of life but also has significant implications for improving disease outcomes and prognosis.

AIM

To construct a narrative nursing model for negative emotions in patients with AP and verify its efficacy in application.

METHODS

Through Delphi expert consultation, a narrative nursing model for negative emotions in patients with AP was constructed. A non-randomized quasi-experimental study design was used in this study. A total of 92 patients with AP with negative emotions admitted to a tertiary hospital in Nantong City of Jiangsu Province, China from September 2022 to August 2023 were recruited by convenience sampling, among whom 46 patients admitted from September 2022 to February 2023 were included in the observation group, and 46 patients from March to August 2023 were selected as control group. The observation group received narrative nursing plan, while the control group was given with routine nursing. Self-rating anxiety scale (SAS), self-rating depression scale (SDS), positive and negative affect scale (PANAS), caring behavior scale, patient satisfaction scale and 36-item short form health survey questionnaire (SF-36) were used to evaluate their emotions, satisfaction and caring behaviors in the two groups on the day of discharge, 1-and 3-month following discharge.

RESULTS

According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, a total of 45 cases in the intervention group and 44 cases in the control group eventually recruited and completed in the study. On the day of discharge, the intervention group showed significantly lower scores of SAS, SDS and negative emotion (28.57 ± 4.52 vs 17.4 ± 4.44, P < 0.001), whereas evidently higher outcomes in the positive emotion score, Caring behavior scale score and satisfaction score compared to the control group (P < 0.05). Repeated measurement analysis of variance showed that significant between-group differences were found in time effect, inter-group effect and interaction effect of SAS and PANAS scores as well as in time effect and inter-group effect of SF-36 scores (P < 0.05); the SF-36 scores of two groups at 3 months after discharge were higher than those at 1 month after discharge (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The application of narrative nursing protocols has demonstrated significant effectiveness in alleviating anxiety, ameliorating negative emotions, and enhancing satisfaction among patients with AP.

A sham-controlled, randomized trial of spinal cord stimulation for the treatment of pain in chronic pancreatitis

BACKGROUND

Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) has emerged as a treatment option for patients with chronic pancreatitis (CP) who experience pain that does not respond to standard interventions. However, there is a lack of sham-controlled trials to support its efficacy.

METHODS

This randomized, double-blinded, sham-controlled, cross-over trial enrolled 16 CP patients with insufficient pain relief from standard therapies. Patients underwent high-frequency (1000 Hz) paraesthesia-free SCS or sham for two 10-day stimulation periods, separated by a 3-day washout period. The primary outcome was daily pain intensity registered in a pain diary based on a numeric rating scale (NRS). Secondary outcomes included various questionnaires. Quantitative sensory testing was used to probe the pain system before and after interventions.

RESULTS

The average daily pain score on the NRS at baseline was 5.2 ± 1.9. After SCS, the pain score was 4.2 ± 2.1 compared to 4.3 ± 2.1 in the sham group (mean difference -0.1, 95% CI [-1.4 to 1.1]; P = 0.81). Similarly, no differences were observed between groups for the maximal daily pain score, secondary outcomes or quantitative sensory testing parameters. During an open-label, non-sham-controlled and non-blinded extension of the study, the average daily NRS was 5.2 ± 1.7 at baseline, 3.2 ± 1.8 at 3 months, 2.9 ± 1.9 at 6 months and 3.4 ± 2.2 at 12 months of follow-up (P = 0.001).

CONCLUSION

In this first sham-controlled trial of SCS in painful CP, we did not find evidence of short-term pain relief with paraesthesia-free high-frequency (1000 Hz) stimulation. However, evaluation of the long-term effect by larger sham-controlled trials with long-term follow-up is warranted.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT

In this first sham-controlled trial to apply high-frequency (1000 Hz) spinal cord stimulation in patients with visceral pain due to chronic pancreatitis, we did not find evidence for clinically relevant pain relief. Taken together with potential procedure-related complications, adverse effects and costs associated with spinal cord stimulation, our findings question its use for management of visceral pain.

Pain in chronic pancreatitis: What can we do today?

The aim of this study is to illustrate the complexity of pain management in chronic pancreatitis (CP). In this context, pain represents the most common and debilitating symptom, and it deeply affects patient's quality of life. Multiple rating scales (unidimensional, bidimensional and multidimensional) have been proposed to quantify CP pain. However, it represents the result of complex mechanisms, involving genetic, neuropathic and neurogenic factors. Considering all these aspects, the treatment should be discussed in a multidisciplinary setting and it should be approached in a stepwise manner. First, a lifestyle change is recommended and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs represent the gold standard among medical treatments for CP patients. The second step, after medical approach, is endoscopic therapy, especially for complicated CP. In case of failure, tailored surgery represents the third step and decompressive or resection procedures can be chosen. In conclusion, CP pain's management is challenging considering all these complex aspects and the lack of international protocols.

"Quality of life is impaired in children with chronic pancreatitis: A multicenter study"

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

The impact of chronic pancreatitis (CP) on quality of life (QOL) of children is not well established. Our objective was to evaluate the QOL, identify contributing factors, and determine the prevalence of anxiety and depression in children with CP in India.

METHODS

Children (8-18y old) with CP were prospectively enrolled across three pediatric gastroenterology centres in India. QOL was assessed using the pediatric QOL inventory (PedsQL 4.0) scale, administered to both children and their parents. Anxiety and depression was studied using the Revised Children's Anxiety and Depression Scale (RCADS 25). Contributing factors were identified using binary logistic regression analysis. The data was compared against published QOL data in healthy Indian children.

RESULTS

121 children with CP (boys-57.9 %, age at QOL-14 ± 3.2years) were enrolled. A majority (82.7 %) had pain and advanced disease (Cambridge grade IV- 63.6 %). Children with CP had poorer QOL compared to controls (total score 74.6 ± 16 vs. 87.5 ± 11.1, p < 0.0001). QOL scores were similar across centres. Older children were similar to younger ones, except for a poorer emotional QOL. Taking QOL < -2 standard deviation (SD) of controls, ∼35 % had poor physical (50.9 ± 11.9) and 20 % had poor psychosocial (PS) QOL score (52.1 ± 7.2). On analysis, presence of pain and lower socio-economic status (SES) adversely affected both physical and PS-QOL. Additionally, girls had poorer PS-QOL than boys (Odds ratio 3.1, 95%CI:1.23-7.31). Anxiety and depression were uncommon (2,1.6 %).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with CP had impaired physical and psycho-social QOL. Presence of pain and lower SES adversely affected QOL. Psychiatric comorbidities were uncommon.

Quality of life instruments in acute and chronic pancreatitis: a consensus-based standards for the selection of health measurement instruments (COSMIN) approach

BACKGROUND

Pancreatitis is a common surgical emergency, associated with pain and poor quality of life for patients. However, assessment of patient-reported outcome measures in these patients is unclear. This study aimed to identify and evaluate the methodological quality of the health-related quality of life instruments used for patients with acute or chronic pancreatitis.

METHODS

Prospective studies that evaluated health-related quality of life in acute or chronic pancreatitis were identified from systematic review of MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Web of Science until 28th June 2023 (PROSPERO: CRD42021274743). Instrument characteristics were extracted, and methodological quality assessed using COSMIN (COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health status Measurement Instruments) guidelines and GRADE approach. Narrative synthesis was conducted, with recommendations for use based on COSMIN criteria, evaluated according to World Health Organisation (WHO) quality of life domains.

RESULTS

From 3850 records screened, 41 quality of life instruments were identified across 138 studies included. The majority (69.8%, n = 26) were designed to assess general health-related quality of life, whereas the remainder were abdominal-specific (n = 5) or pancreas-specific (n = 10). Only ten instruments (24.3%) demonstrated sufficient content validity, incorporating items in ≥5 WHO quality of life domains. However, only nine instruments (21.9%) incorporated public and patient involvement. Only the Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index and PAN-PROMISE met the criteria to be recommended for use based on COSMIN methodological assessment.

CONCLUSION

There is significant heterogeneity in instruments used to assess quality of life after pancreatitis, with almost all instruments considered insufficient. Robust, validated, and relevant instruments are needed to better understand and determine appropriate interventions to improve quality of life for these patients.

Clinical diagnosis of psychiatric comorbidities, performance of screening tests and pattern of psychotropic medication use in patients with chronic pancreatitis

BACKGROUND

Psychiatric comorbidity measured by screening instruments is common in patients with chronic pancreatitis (CP) but whether this accurately reflects clinical diagnosis of psychiatric comorbidity is unknown and the prevalence of psychotropic medication prescription in CP remains largely unexplored.

METHODS

Adult patients (≥18 years) with definite CP were enrolled and completed the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Demographics, clinical characteristics and medications were retrieved from case report forms and the electronic health record (EHR). Clinical diagnosis of depression or anxiety was determined by presence of ICD-10 code or inclusion in the patient's EHR problem list or treatment plan. Comparisons were made between patients with and without clinical psychiatric comorbidity.

RESULTS

Total of 81 patients (48, 59.3% male; mean age 57.6 ± 14.3 years) were included. Clinical diagnoses of anxiety and depression were each noted in 47 (58%) patients, with overlap in 42 (51.9%). Compared to clinical diagnoses, the sensitivity and specificity of a positive screen for anxiety (HADS >7) were 76.6% and 91.2%; for depression 55.3% and 88.2%. Patients with anxiety and/or depression were more frequently female (51.9% v 20.7%), younger (53.6 v 64.9 years), and had alcohol etiology (51.9% v 27.6%) (all p < 0.01). In those with psychiatric comorbidity, 42 (80.8%) were prescribed psychotropic medication, most commonly gabapentinoid (24, 57.1%), selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (n = 22, 52.4%) or benzodiazepine (n = 20, 47.6%).

CONCLUSIONS

Psychiatric comorbidities are common among CP patients and many receive psychotropic medications. Further studies are needed to evaluate the impact of these medications on CP symptoms.

Somatic symptom severity, depression and anxiety associations with pancreatitis and undifferentiated abdominal pain in surgical inpatients

BACKGROUND

Somatic Symptom Disorder is a psychiatric diagnosis that describes the experience of physical symptoms and associated distress, that is disproportionate to recognized organic pathology. Somatic symptom severity (SSS) may be associated with some surgical diagnoses; particularly the complex pain associated with pancreatitis, or the diagnostic ambiguity of undifferentiated abdominal pain (UAP). We aimed to estimate the prevalence of SSS in different diagnostic groups in surgical inpatients with abdominal pain; and to estimate the magnitude and direction of any association of SSS, anxiety and depression.

METHODS

Cross sectional analysis (n = 465) of adult admissions with non-traumatic abdominal pain, at a tertiary hospital in Australia. We estimated SSS with the Patient Health Questionnaire-15 (PHQ-15), depression with the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and anxiety with the General Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7), at standard cut-points ≥ 10; comparing acute pancreatitis (n = 20), chronic pancreatitis (n = 18) and UAP (n = 64) versus other causes of abdominal pain.

RESULTS

Somatic symptoms were common, 52% having moderate and 19.6% severe SSS. There was an association between moderate SSS and pancreatitis (OR 2.11, 95% CI 1.05-4.25) and depressive symptoms and chronic pancreatitis (OR = 3.47, 95% CI 1.31-9.24). There was no significant association between the four mental health categories and UAP.

CONCLUSIONS

SSS and psychological comorbidity were common in a surgical inpatients admitted for abdominal pain and equally represented across most diagnostic sub-groups. However, the pancreatitis sub-group had greater proportions with clinically significant SSS and depression, suggesting that they have a higher requirement for psychological assessment and intervention.

Prevalence and risk factors of fatigue and its association with quality of life among patients with chronic pancreatitis: A cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Fatigue is a debilitating symptom found in various chronic diseases and is associated with more severe symptoms and worse quality of life (QoL). However, this symptom has not been adequately addressed in chronic pancreatitis (CP), and there have been no studies on fatigue in patients with CP.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study was conducted at the Changhai Hospital in Shanghai, China. Data on the patients' sociodemographic, disease, and therapeutic characteristics were collected. Fatigue was assessed using the Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory-20. QoL was assessed utilizing the European Organization for the Research and Treatment of Cancer of QoL questionnaire (EORTC-QLQ-C30). Sleep quality, anxiety and depression, and pain was assessed using Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and the Brief Pain Inventory, respectively.

RESULTS

The prevalence of fatigue among Chinese patients with CP was 35.51 % (87/245). Multivariate analysis showed that steatorrhea (OR = 2.638, 95 % CI: 1.117-6.234), history of smoking (OR = 4.627, 95 % CI: 1.202-17.802), history of endoscopic treatment (OR = 0.419, 95 % CI: 0.185-0.950), depression (OR = 5.924, 95 % CI: 2.462-14.255), and sleep disorder (OR = 6.184, 95 % CI: 2.543-15.034) were influencing factors for the presence of fatigue. The scores for global health and all functional dimensions in the EORTC-QLQ-C30 significantly decreased, whereas the scores for all symptom dimensions significantly increased in patients with fatigue.

CONCLUSIONS

This study indicated that Fatigue is a common symptom and has a negative impact on the QoL of patients with CP. Steatorrhea, smoking history, endoscopic treatment, depression, and sleep disorders were associated with fatigue.

Recent advances in the understanding and management of chronic pancreatitis pain

Abdominal pain is the most common symptom of chronic pancreatitis (CP) and is often debilitating for patients and very difficult to treat. To date, there exists no cure for the disease. Treatment strategies focus on symptom management and on mitigation of disease progression by reducing toxin exposure and avoiding recurrent inflammatory events. Traditional treatment protocols start with medical management followed by consideration of procedural or surgical intervention on selected patients with severe and persistent pain. The incorporation of adjuvant therapies to treat comorbidities including psychiatric disorders, exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, mineral bone disease, frailty, and malnutrition, are in its early stages. Recent clinical studies and animal models have been designed to improve investigation into the pathophysiology of CP pain, as well as to improve pain management. Despite the array of tools available, many therapeutic options for the management of CP pain provide incomplete relief. There still remains much to discover about the neural regulation of pancreas-related pain. In this review, we will discuss research from the last 5 years that has provided new insights into novel methods of pain phenotyping and the pathophysiology of CP pain. These discoveries have led to improvements in patient selection for optimization of outcomes for both medical and procedural management, and identification of potential future therapies.

Health Literacy Needs of Acute Pancreatitis Patients During the Diagnosis and Treatment Process Under the Lens of the Timing It Right Theory: A Qualitative Study

Background

The incidence and recurrence rate of acute pancreatitis (AP) continues to increase worldwide. The risk of AP attack and recurrence is closely related to the patient's health literacy. Previous studies have shown that AP patients had low levels of health literacy. Understanding patients' experience in AP's diagnosis and treatment process and their health literacy needs might significantly improve their health status.

Objective

This study aims to understand the experience of acute pancreatitis (AP) patients in the diagnostic and treatment process and explore their health literacy needs at various phases of this process.

Methods

This study utilized a qualitative approach based on Timing It Right theory. A purposive sampling strategy was employed to select 31 participants diagnosed with AP at various phases of the diagnosis and treatment process. These patients were selected from the Pancreatitis Treatment Centers of two tertiary hospitals in Eastern China. Subsequently, semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with the selected participants. The qualitative data was analyzed using the Colaizzi's method.

Results

The themes of AP patients' experiences and health literacy needs at various phases of the diagnosis and treatment process were presented as follows. 1. Diagnosis phase: inability to obtain disease information, psychological support seeking, and change unhealthy lifestyle; 2. Hospitalization phase: disease treatment information needs and medical professionals' healthcare. 3. Discharge Preparation phase: fear of recurrence, individualized healthy lifestyle instruction. 4. Home Recovery phase: self-management, continuous healthcare needs, and family support.

Conclusion

AP patients' HL needs and health-related problems vary during the diagnosis and treatment process. Medical professionals should comprehend AP patients' changing needs and individual differences, provide continuous healthcare, and involve families in patient management. These factors support patients' long-term self-management and preserve their overall health.

Translation and validation of a Chinese version of the pancreatitis quality of life instrument (PANQOLI) in patients with chronic pancreatitis

PURPOSE

Chronic pancreatitis (CP) is a chronic fibroinflammatory pancreatic disease that severely impacts patients' quality of life (QoL). The Pancreatitis Quality of Life Instrument (PANQOLI) is an 18-item measure specifically designed to assess QoL amongst patients with CP. This study aimed to develop a Chinese version of PANQOLI and assess its reliability and validity in the Chinese CP cohort.

METHODS

Translation was performed according to forward-backwards translation steps and transcultural adaptation. Five hundred Mandarin Chinese-speaking patients with CP were enrolled, 250 for the exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and 250 for the confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Item analysis, reliability analysis (internal consistency, split-half reliability, test-retest reliability), and validity analysis (content validity, construct validity, and convergent validity) were performed.

RESULTS

Item analysis of the Chinese version of PANQOLI revealed that the absolute t values of all items were > 3. Reliability analysis showed that Cronbach's α coefficient was 0.868, split-half coefficient was 0.934, and intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.859, demonstrating excellent reliability. For content validity, item level content validity index (I-CVI) ranged from 0.8 to 1.0, and average of I-CVI scores across all items (S-CVI/Ave) was 0.91. In construct validity analysis, EFA produced four dimensions after rotation, and results of CFA showed χ2/df = 2.346, comparative fit index (CFI) = 0.929, Tucker-Lewis index (TLI) = 0.915, and root-mean-square error of approximation (RMSEA) = 0.074. The analysis of convergent validity indicated that the Chinese version of PANQOLI was moderately correlated with the physical (r = 0.436, P < 0.001) and mental component summary (r = 0.518, P < 0.001) of the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey.

CONCLUSION

The Chinese version of PANQOLI appears to be culturally appropriate, reliable, and valid for assessing the QoL amongst Chinese patients with CP.

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 and impact of psychiatric disorders on hospitalized pediatric patients with chronic pancreatitis

BACKGROUND

Patients with chronic pancreatitis (CP) often have a debilitating clinical course characterized by high disease burden, and poor quality of life and these factors adversely affect mental health. However, there is paucity of literature on the prevalence and impact of psychiatric disorders on hospitalized pediatric patients with CP.

METHOD

ology: We analyzed the Kids Inpatient Database, and National Inpatient Sample, between 2003 and 2019 and included patients up to 21 years of age. Pediatric CP patients with psychiatric disorders were compared with patients without any of the psychiatric disorders using the ICD diagnostic codes. Various demographic and clinical factors were compared between the groups. Length of hospitalization and total hospital charges were used as surrogates to compare the hospital resource utilization between the groups.

RESULTS

We analyzed a total of 9,808 hospitalizations with CP and the overall prevalence rate of psychiatric disorders was 19.8%. The prevalence rate increased from 19.1% in 2003 to 23.4% in 2019, p = 0.006. The peak prevalence rate of 37.2% was noted at 20 years of age. Depression was noted at 7.6% of the total hospitalizations followed by substance abuse (6.5%), and anxiety (4.4%). Multivariate linear regression analysis showed that among CP patients, psychiatric disorders were independently associated with 1.3 additional days of stay and incurred $15,965 higher charges.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of psychiatric disorders is increasing in pediatric CP. The concomitant presence of psychiatric disorders was found to be associated with prolonged hospital stay and incurred higher healthcare charges than those CP patients without psychiatric disorders.

Incidence, prevalence, and comorbidities of chronic pancreatitis: A 7-year population-based study

BACKGROUND

Chronic pancreatitis (CP) is a fibroinflammatory syndrome leading to reduced quality of life and shortened life expectancy. Population-based estimates of the incidence, prevalence, and comorbidities of CP in China are scarce.

AIM

To characterize the incidence, prevalence, and comorbidities of CP in Sichuan Province, China, with population-based data.

METHODS

Data on CP from 2015 to 2021 were obtained from the Health Information Center of Sichuan Province. During the study period, a total of 38090 individuals were diagnosed with CP in Sichuan Province. The yearly incidence rate and point prevalence rate (December 31, 2021) of CP were calculated. The prevalence of comorbid conditions in CP patients was estimated. The annual number of CP-related hospitalizations, hospital length of stay, and hospitalization costs for CP were evaluated. Yearly incidence rates were standardized for age by the direct method using the permanent population of Sichuan Province in the 2020 census as the standard population. An analysis of variance test for the linearity of scaled variables and the Cochran-Armitage trend test for categorical data were performed to investigate the yearly trends, and a two-sided test with P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

The 38090 CP patients comprised 23280 males and 14810 females. The mean age of patients at CP diagnosis was 57.83 years, with male patients (55.87 years) being younger than female patients (60.11 years) (P < 0.001). The mean incidence rate of CP during the study period was 6.81 per 100000 person-years, and the incidence of CP increased each year, from 4.03 per 100000 person-years in 2015 to 8.27 per 100000 person-years in 2021 (P < 0.001). The point prevalence rate of CP in 2021 was 45.52 per 100000 individuals for the total population, with rates of 55.04 per 100000 individuals for men and 35.78 per 100000 individuals for women (P < 0.001). Individuals aged 65 years or older had the highest prevalence of CP (113.38 per 100000 individuals) (P < 0.001). Diabetes (26.32%) was the most common comorbidity in CP patients. The number of CP-related hospitalizations increased from 3739 in 2015 to 11009 in 2021. The total costs for CP-related hospitalizations for CP patients over the study period were 667.96 million yuan, with an average of 17538 yuan per patient.

CONCLUSION

The yearly incidence of CP is increasing, and the overall CP hospitalization cost has increased by 1.4 times during the last 7 years, indicating that CP remains a heavy health burden.

Quality of Life in Patients With Definite Chronic Pancreatitis: A Nationwide Longitudinal Cohort Study

INTRODUCTION

Chronic pancreatitis (CP) has a negative impact on quality of life (QoL). Because CP is a chronic condition, multiple assessments of QoL are required to obtain a thorough understanding of its impact on patients. Such studies are currently lacking. This study aims to gain insight into the course and predictors of QoL in patients with CP using prospective longitudinal data from a large cohort of patients.

METHODS

Post hoc analysis of consecutive patients with definite CP registered in a prospective database between 2011 and 2019 in the Netherlands. Patient and disease characteristics, nutritional status, pain severity, medication usage, pancreatic function, and pancreatic interventions were assessed from medical records and through standard follow-up questionnaires. The physical and mental component summary scales of the Short-Form 36 were used to assess physical and mental QoL at baseline and during follow-up. The course of both physical and mental QoL and their associated factors were longitudinally assessed by using generalized linear mixed models.

RESULTS

Overall, 1,165 patients with definite CP were included for this analysis. During 10-year follow-up, generalized linear mixed model analyses revealed improvements in both physical (41.6-45.2, P < 0.001) and mental (45.9-46.6, P = 0.047) QoL. Younger age, current alcohol consumption, employment, no need for dietetic consultation, no steatorrhea, lower Izbicki pain score, and pain coping mechanism were positively associated with physical QoL ( P < 0.05). For mental QoL, a positive correlation was found between employment, nonalcoholic CP, no need for dietetic consultation, no steatorrhea, lower Izbicki pain score, pain coping mechanism, and surgical treatment. No association was observed between disease duration and longitudinal QoL per patient.

DISCUSSION

This nationwide study provides insight into the dynamics of physical and mental QoL in patients with CP over time. Important and potentially influenceable factors to improve QoL are nutritional status, exocrine pancreatic function, employment status, and patients' coping strategy.

Association of Chronic Pancreatitis Pain Features With Physical, Mental, and Social Health

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Pain is a cardinal symptom of chronic pancreatitis (CP). Using Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) measures, we characterized physical and mental health and symptom profiles of a well-defined cohort of individuals with CP and compared them with control subjects. Among patients with CP, we also examined associations between pain (intensity, temporal nature) and PROMIS symptom profiles and the prevalence of clinically significant psychological comorbidities.

METHODS

We analyzed baseline data in 488 CP patients and 254 control subjects enrolled in PROCEED (Prospective Evaluation of Chronic Pancreatitis for Epidemiologic and Translational Studies), an ongoing longitudinal cohort study. Participants completed the PROMIS-Global Health, which captures global physical and mental health, and the PROMIS-29 profile, which captures 7 symptom domains. Self-reported pain was categorized by severity (none, mild-moderate, severe) and temporal nature (none, intermittent, constant). Demographic and clinical data were obtained from the PROCEED database.

RESULTS

Pain was significantly associated with impairments in physical and mental health. Compared with participants with no pain, CP participants with severe pain (but not mild-moderate pain) had more decrements in each PROMIS domain in multivariable models (effect sizes, 2.54-7.03) and had a higher prevalence of clinically significant depression, anxiety, sleep disturbance, and physical disability (odds ratios, 2.11-4.74). Similar results were noted for constant pain (but not intermittent pain) for PROMIS domains (effect sizes, 4.08-10.37) and clinically significant depression, anxiety, sleep disturbance and physical disability (odds ratios, 2.80-5.38).

CONCLUSIONS

Severe and constant pain are major drivers for poor psychological and physical health in CP. Systematic evaluation and management of psychiatric comorbidities and sleep disturbance should be incorporated into routine management of patients with CP. (ClinicalTrials.gov, Number: NCT03099850).

Quality of Life and Pain in Patients With Chronic Pancreatitis

INTRODUCTION

The quality of life (QoL) of patients with chronic conditions is a function of factors associated with the illness, its natural course, and treatment as well as those related to the patient. Chronic pancreatitis (CP) is a critical public health problem. Chronic pancreatitis patients can experience chronic pain with different mechanisms, malabsorption, diabetes, and cachexia.

OBJECTIVE

Chronic pancreatitis (CP) is a critical public health problem. CP patients can experience chronic pain with different mechanisms, malabsorption, diabetes, and cachexia. The aim of the study was to assess the Quality of Life (QoL) of patients with CP and identify factors affecting QoL.

METHODS

104 patients diagnosed with CP from the hospital in Wrocław, Poland, were included. The study was conducted using our own questionnaire, the World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF (WHOQOL-BREF) scale, the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36), and the Visual Analog Scale (VAS).

RESULTS

The mean total SF-36 score was 47.7, with the highest mean rating for the physical functioning domain. The mean VAS pain score was 5.13. Pain intensity was significantly correlated with impairments in activities of daily living (P = 0.001), the need to reduce their duration (P = 0.001), and the performance of physical activity (P = 0.003). Comorbidities, education, and age have a significant relationship with only some domains of SF-36.

CONCLUSIONS

One aspect that has an impact on QoL impairment is pain which perception is governed by the same brain regions in which abnormalities result in depression and anxiety. QoL in CP patients also depends on the patient's age, comorbidities, and level of education.

Natural history, clinical characteristics, outcomes, and long-term follow-up of pain-free chronic pancreatitis

BACKGROUND

Chronic pancreatitis (CP) is characterized by chronic abdominal pain and functional insufficiency. However, a small subset of patients with prior acute pancreatitis (AP) and/or underlying risk factors for developing CP may be pain-free at diagnosis and may have a different clinical course. We aimed to compare the clinical characteristics, outcomes, and healthcare utilization between CP patients with and without pain.

METHODS

Reviewed patients with established CP were followed in our Pancreas Center between January 2016 and April 2021. Patients without risk factors for developing CP and/or without AP prior to their diagnosis and only with incidental radiologic features of CP were excluded, so as to minimize confounding factors of pancreatopathy unrelated to CP. Patients were divided into painful and pain-free groups to analyze differences in demographics, outcomes, and healthcare utilization.

RESULTS

Of 368 CP patients, 49 (13.3%) were pain-free at diagnosis and had remained so for >9 years. There were no significant differences in body mass index, race, sex, or co-morbidities between the two groups. Pain-free patients were older at diagnosis (53.9 vs 45.7, P = 0.004) and had less recurrent AP (RAP) (43.8% vs 72.5%, P < 0.001) and less exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) (34.7% vs 65.7%, P < 0.001). Pain-free patients had less disability (2.2% vs 22.0%, P = 0.003), mental illness (20.4% vs 61.0%, P < 0.001), surgery (0.0% vs 15.0%, P = 0.059), and therapeutic interventions (0.0% vs 16.4%, P = 0.005) for pain.

CONCLUSIONS

We described a unique subset of patients with underlying risk factors for CP and/or prior AP who were pain-free at diagnosis. They were older at diagnosis, had less EPI and RAP, and overall favorable outcomes with minimal resource utilization.

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.

Prevalence of depression among patients with Chronic Pancreatitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

Chronic Pancreatitis (CP) is a fibroinflammatory condition with debilitating symptoms. Quality of life is severely affected in patients with CP and they are likely to suffer from mental health disorders, including depression. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis assessing the prevalence of depressive symptoms and depression in patients with CP.

METHODS

MEDLINE (OVID), PsycINFO, Cochrane Library, Embase, CINAHL Complete, Scopus and Web of Science were searched until July 2022 to identify manuscripts reporting the prevalence of depressive symptoms and depression (diagnosed clinically or with a validated scale without language restriction) in patients with Chronic Pancreatitis. The pooled prevalence was calculated using a random effects model. Heterogeneity was assessed by the inconsistency index (I2).

RESULTS

Among 3647 articles identified, 58 studies were identified for full text review, and ultimately nine studies were included. A total of 87136 patients were included in the studies. Depression was diagnosed clinically or symptoms were identified using validated scales including Center for Epidemiological Studies 10-item Depression Scale (CESD), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). The overall prevalence of depression in patients with chronic pancreatitis was 36.2% (95%CI: 18.8-55.7). In the stratified analysis, depression prevalence according to the clinical diagnosis, BDI and HADS was 30.10%, 48.17% and 36.61%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The high prevalence of depression among patients with CP deserves a call-to-action due to its medical implications and worsening quality of life. Our findings raise awareness of the importance of screening patients with CP for mental health disorders. Further well-designed studies are needed to further characterize these findings.

Endoscopy versus early surgery for the management of chronic pancreatitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Endoscopic stone removal and stenting of pancreatic strictures are the initial treatment for treating chronic pancreatitis-related pain. Surgery is considered when endoscopic interventions fail to improve symptoms. In this meta-analysis, we have compared early surgery versus endoscopic interventions.

METHODS

The study was performed as per the PRISMA statement. The literature search was conducted on online databases to identify studies that compared endoscopy and surgery for the management of chronic pancreatitis symptoms. Primary outcomes of interest were pain relief, complications, and exocrine/endocrine insufficiency. Secondary outcomes were mean length of stay and mean number of procedures. Pooled odds ratio (OR) was calculated using random-effects model with 95% confidence interval (CI).

RESULTS

Of a total of 9880 articles that were screened, three randomized controlled trials and two retrospective studies with 602 patients (71.4% males) were found to be eligible. Endoscopic interventions were performed in 317 patients and 285 patients underwent early surgery. Early surgery provided significantly better pain relief compared to endoscopy (OR 0.46; 95%CI 0.27-0.80; p = 0.01; I2 = 17.65%) and required less number of procedures (Mean difference 1.66; 95%CI 0.9-2.43; p = 0.00; I2 = 96.46%). There was no significant difference in procedure-related complication (OR 0.91; 95%CI 0.51-1.61; p = 0.74; I2 = 38.8%), endocrine (OR 1.18; 95%CI 0.63-2.20; p = 0.61; I2 = 28.24%), or exocrine insufficiency (OR 1.78; 95%CI 0.66-4.79; p = 0.25; I2 = 30.97%) or the length of stay (Mean difference 1.21; 95%CI -7.12 to 4.70; p = 0.69).

CONCLUSION

Compared to endoscopy, early surgery appears to be better in controlling chronic pancreatitis-related pain, with no significant difference in procedure-related complications. However, larger randomized controlled trials are needed to ascertain their efficacy.

Evaluating Outcomes and Misuse in Opioid-Dependent Chronic Pancreatitis Using a State-Mandated Monitoring System

INTRODUCTION

Patients with chronic pancreatitis (CP) often require opioids for pain control. The goal of our study was to characterize opioid use in patients with CP in a real-life practice using a state-mandated online monitoring program and to assess outcomes compared to CP patients without opioid dependency.

METHODS

CP patients seen in our Pancreas Center from 2016 to 2021 were divided into two groups-with and without chronic opioid use. Details of opioids and other controlled prescriptions were obtained by review of the Massachusetts Prescription Awareness Tool (MassPat).

RESULTS

Of the 442 CP outpatients, 216 used chronic opioids. Patients with opioid use had significantly more recurrent acute pancreatitis (76.6% vs. 52.7%), concurrent alcohol use (11.2% vs. 5.8%), tobacco use (37.8% vs. 19.7%), anxiety (22.4% vs. 16.6%), depression (43.5% vs. 23.5%) and daily pain (59.8% vs. 24.8%) (p < 0.001). They also concurrently used more benzodiazepines (43.7% vs. 12.4%), gabapentinoids (66.4% vs. 31.1%) and medical marijuana (14.9% vs. 4.19%) (p < 0.001). They had more celiac plexus blocks (22.0% vs. 6.67%), surgery (18.3% vs. 8.89%) and more hospitalizations for CP flares (3.6 vs. 1.0 visits) (p < 0.001). Less than 13% patients received opioids by means of ED visits; 81.7% patients received their prescriptions from one facility and 75% received them at regular intervals.

CONCLUSION

Opioid-dependent CP patients exhibit polypharmacy and have worse outcomes with higher resource utilization. The state-monitoring program ensures that the majority of patients receive opioids from a single facility, thereby minimizing misuse.

Psychological Evaluation and Management of Chronic Pancreatitis

Chronic pancreatitis is a chronic digestive disorder that greatly diminishes the quality of life and is associated with significant psychological distress. A best practice recommendation in treating chronic pancreatitis is offering care in a multidisciplinary model that includes access to a behavioral health provider among other medical professionals. Behavioral interventions for patients with chronic pancreatitis have promise to improve the management of pain, comorbid psychiatric symptoms, and quality of life. If surgical interventions such as a total pancreatectomy islet autotransplant are considered, evaluating and mitigating psychosocial risk factors may aid the selection of appropriate candidates.

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.

Overlap and cumulative effects of pancreatic duct obstruction, abnormal pain processing and psychological distress on patient-reported outcomes in chronic pancreatitis

OBJECTIVE

Several factors have been suggested to mediate pain in patients with chronic pancreatitis. However, it is unknown whether these factors are overlapping and if they have cumulative effects on patient-reported outcomes (PROs).

DESIGN

We performed a multicentre cross-sectional study of 201 prospectively enrolled subjects with definitive chronic pancreatitis. All subjects underwent evaluation for pancreatic duct obstruction, abnormalities in pain processing using quantitative sensory testing, and screening for psychological distress (anxiety, depression and pain catastrophising) based on validated questionnaires. Abnormality was defined by normal reference values. PROs included pain symptom severity (Brief Pain Inventory short form) and quality of life (EORTC-QLQ-C30 questionnaire). Associations between pain-related factors and PROs were investigated by linear trend analyses, multiple regression models and mediation analyses.

RESULTS

Clinical evaluation suggestive of pancreatic duct obstruction was observed in 29%, abnormal pain processing in 23%, anxiety in 47%, depression in 39% and pain catastrophising in 28%; each of these factors was associated with severity of at least one PRO. Two or more factors were present in 51% of subjects. With an increasing number of factors, there was an increase in pain severity scores (p<0.001) and pain interference scores (p<0.001), and a reduction in quality of life (p<0.001). All factors had independent and direct effects on PROs, with the strongest effect size observed for psychological distress.

CONCLUSION

Pain-related factors in chronic pancreatitis are often present in an overlapping manner and have a cumulative detrimental effect on PROs. These findings support a multidisciplinary strategy for pain management.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

The study was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03434392).

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.

Indian Outpatients with Idiopathic Chronic Pancreatitis Have Catastrophic Healthcare Expenditure, Malnutrition, Anxiety/Depression and Work-Impairment

INTRODUCTION

There is paucity of data regarding economic burden, employment affection, psychological and nutritional status of CP patients, of non-alcoholic etiology, especially during their periods of stable disease, i.e., without any complications and/or recent endoscopic/surgical interventions.

METHODS

In a prospective cohort study, conducted in outpatient clinic of a tertiary-care hospital, 66 consecutive adults with Idiopathic CP (± diabetes) and 152 matched (by age, socioeconomic status and monthly income) healthy controls were assessed for: (1) healthcare expenses in previous month by recall (catastrophic if > 40% of income); (2) nutritional status by anthropometry and food frequency questionnaire; (3) psychological status by Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS); and (4) work-impairment by work productivity and activity impairment questionnaire: general health (WPAI-GH). CP patients were again reassessed for the above parameters after 6 and 12 month, respectively.

RESULTS

Seventy-six percent CP patients (vis-à-vis 0% controls) had catastrophic healthcare expenditure. Forty-nine percent of CP patients(vis-à-vis 0% controls) met their healthcare expenses by either selling assets or obtaining loans at high-interest or from charitable donations. CP patients had lower BMI, were more likely to be malnourished and had a lower calorie intake vis-à-vis controls (median (IQR) recommended daily allowance (RDA): 71(19)% vs 97(23)%; [p < 0.0001]). Their median HADS Anxiety and depression scores were significantly higher than controls. Thirty-one (47%) CP patients were employed vis-a-vis 102 (67%) controls (p = 0.006); they had significantly higher work impairment. After one year, there was improvement in some of these above parameters in CP patients.

CONCLUSION

Idiopathic CP outpatients had catastrophic healthcare expenditure, malnutrition, abnormal psychological scores and work-impairment vis-à-vis healthy controls. Some of these parameters improved on follow-up.

Depression, Anxiety, Stress, and Their Associations With Quality of Life in a Nationwide Sample of Psychiatrists in China During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Objectives

The COVID-19 pandemic has negatively affected wellbeing. However, the impact on the mental health status of Chinese psychiatrists and their relationship with quality of life (QOL) has not been examined.

Methods

This was a national cross-sectional survey performed between January 11 and March 15, 2021. Demographic and work-related data were collected anonymously using an online questionnaire. Common mental health symptoms and QOL were assessed using the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-Chinese version and the World Health Organization Quality of Life Schedule-Brief, respectively.

Results

A total of 3,783 psychiatrists completed this questionnaire. The prevalence of depressive, anxious, and stress symptoms were 26.7% (95%CI = 25.3-28.1%), 24.1% (95%CI = 22.8-25.5%), and 11.6% (95%CI = 10-12%), respectively. Moreover, 11.1% of the participants endorsed both depressive and anxious symptoms, and 8% endorsed symptoms in all three domains. Binary logistic regression showed that aged 30-39 years (OR = 1.5, P = 0.03), male gender (OR = 1.2, P = 0.04), single (OR = 1.44, P = 0.01), and having a negative perception of the COVID-19 on healthcare (OR = 2.34, P <0.001) were factors associated with higher levels of depressive symptoms. Participants who were divorced and widowed (OR = 1.56, P = 0.03), worked more than 4 night shifts/month (OR = 1.33, P<0.001) and/or longer working years (OR = 1.71, P < 0.001), and had a negative perceived impact of the COVID-19 on healthcare (OR = 2.05, P < 0.001) were more inclined to experience anxious symptoms. In addition, psychiatrists with high QOL scores had lower odds of experiencing depressive, anxious, and stress symptoms (all P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis showed that the presence of each of the three types of mental health symptoms was independently associated with lower QOL (all P < 0.05). In addition, the depression × anxious × stress interaction was significantly correlated with lower QOL (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Approximately one-fourth of psychiatrists in China experienced depressive and anxious symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic, and more than one-tenth reported stress. Mental health symptoms were significant contributors to lower QOL. The psychological wellbeing of psychiatrists during the pandemic requires more attention, and interventions are needed to improve the psychological wellbeing and QOL of physicians who care for individuals with mental disorders.

Pain Sensitivity and Psychiatric Comorbidities in Chronic Pancreatitis Patients With and Without Pain: Past Experience Matters

Background and Aims

Pain is the primary symptom of chronic pancreatitis (CP) and has been associated with abnormal pain processing and psychologic distress. Little is known about these phenomena in patients with painless disease. The aim of this study was to characterize patterns of pain processing and psychologic distress in patients with primary painless vs painful CP.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional multicenter study of 235 patients with definitive CP. Patients were categorized based on current and past pain history; current pain (79%), no current (but prior) pain (11%), and painless CP (10%). Demographic information and clinical data including symptoms of anxiety and depression using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale were collected. All patients underwent quantitative sensory testing to assess patterns of pain processing.

Results

A total of 235 patients (57% males, mean age 53.9 ± 14.0 years, 41% alcohol etiology) were included. Compared to patients with painless CP, enhanced pain sensitivity was observed in both patients with current pain (odds ratio [OR] 3.29; 95% confidence interval [CI] [1.11-9.77], P = .032) and no current pain (OR 4.07; 95% CI [1.10-15.03], P = .035). Patients with current pain also had increased depression prevalence compared to patients with painless CP (OR 6.15; 95% CI [1.28-29.41], P = .023), while no difference was seen for patients with no current pain (OR 1.24; 95% CI [0.19-8.26], P = .824).

Conclusion

Total absence of pain in CP is associated with normal pain processing and low prevalence of psychologic distress, whereas patients with prior pain experience appear to have persistent and enhanced pain sensitivity even in the absence of clinical pain and psychologic distress.

Rising Prevalence of Anxiety and Depression in Chronic Pancreatitis: A Nationwide Analysis

OBJECTIVES

We aim to characterize the prevalence and impact of anxiety and depression (AD) in hospitalized patients with chronic pancreatitis (CP). Anxiety and depression have been shown to have a significant impact on mortality and length of stay in gastrointestinal diseases, but there are limited studies evaluating its impact on CP.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective analysis using the National Inpatient Sample from 2007 to 2014. The outcomes were the prevalence and trend of AD, impact on mortality, length of stay, and cost and independent predictors of AD.

RESULTS

A total of 75,744 patients with CP were included in our analysis, of which 23,323 (31%) had anxiety or depression. The prevalence of anxiety increased from 7.33% in 2007 to 20.02% in 2014. Depression increased from 18.49% in 2007 to 23.89% in 2014. Independent predictors of AD were decreasing age, female sex, and multiple comorbidities. Decreased risk was seen in African Americans, Hispanics, and those from the South and West. Anxiety and depression did not impact overall mortality or length of stay.

CONCLUSIONS

Anxiety and depression are increasingly recognized diagnosis in patients with CP. Careful management and treatment of psychiatric illnesses and improving quality of life need to be addressed for these patients.

Acute and Chronic Pancreatitis Disease Prevalence, Classification, and Comorbidities: A Cohort Study of the UK BioBank

INTRODUCTION

Pancreatitis is a complex syndrome that results from many etiologies. Large well-characterized cohorts are needed to further understand disease risk and prognosis.

METHODS

A pancreatitis cohort of more than 4,200 patients and 24,000 controls were identified in the UK BioBank (UKBB) consortium. A descriptive analysis was completed, comparing patients with acute (AP) and chronic pancreatitis (CP). The Toxic-metabolic, Idiopathic, Genetic, Autoimmune, Recurrent, and severe pancreatitis and Obstructive checklist Version 2 classification was applied to patients with AP and CP and compared with the control population.

RESULTS

CP prevalence in the UKBB is 163 per 100,000. AP incidence increased from 21.4/100,000 per year from 2001 to 2005 to 48.2/100,000 per year between 2016 and 2020. Gallstones and smoking were confirmed as key risk factors for AP and CP, respectively. Both populations carry multiple risk factors and a high burden of comorbidities, including benign and malignant neoplastic disorders.

DISCUSSION

The UKBB serves as a rich cohort to evaluate pancreatitis. Disease burden of AP and CP was high in this population. The association of common risk factors identified in other cohort studies was confirmed in this study. Further analysis is needed to link genomic risks and biomarkers with disease features in this population.

Multidisciplinary Care for Adults With Chronic Pancreatitis: Incorporating Psychological Therapies to Optimize Outcomes

ABSTRACT

Chronic pancreatitis (CP) is associated with a high disease burden, extensive negative impact on quality of life, increased rates of depression and anxiety, and significant health care utilization and expenditures. Pain is a hallmark feature of CP, present in up to 90% of patients with this condition, and can lead to high rates of disability, hospitalization, and opioid medication use. Current perspectives on the management of CP have evolved to advocate a multidisciplinary approach which offers new pathways for helping patients manage symptoms. Psychologists play an important role in a multidisciplinary team effort by applying scientifically based psychological principles and techniques to improve pain and adaptation to chronic illness. This review will detail the fundamentals of delivering psychological interventions for adults with CP managed in an outpatient setting. Recommendations for integrating psychological care in multidisciplinary management of CP will be offered. Future directions for psychological care in CP multidisciplinary teams are also discussed.

Rationale for and Development of the Pancreatic Quantitative Sensory Testing Consortium to Study Pain in Chronic Pancreatitis

OBJECTIVES

Abdominal pain is the primary symptom of chronic pancreatitis (CP), but pain is difficult to assess, and objective methods for pain assessment are lacking. The characterization of the sensory component of pain as a surrogate for nociception can be achieved by sensory testing using standardized stimuli. Herein, we describe the rationale for and development of an international consortium to better understand and characterize CP pain.

METHODS

A collaboration was initially formed between the University of Aalborg, Johns Hopkins University, and the University of Pittsburgh. This group refined the protocol for pancreatic quantitative sensory testing (P-QST) and then expanded the collaboration with plans for incorporating P-QST into prospective studies.

RESULTS

The collaboration has successfully developed a P-QST nomogram. Chronic pancreatitis patients identified with P-QST as having widespread hyperalgesia had higher pain intensity scores, higher prevalence of constant pain, and decreased quality of life. Psychiatric comorbidities were independent of pain phenotypes. Multiple studies are underway to validate these findings and evaluate their utility in clinical trials.

CONCLUSIONS

Development of the P-QST Consortium will facilitate collaborative efforts to use P-QST as a means for evaluation and characterization of pain in CP patients, and optimize methods to guide individualized pain management approaches.

Assessment of pain associated with chronic pancreatitis: An international consensus guideline

Pain is the most common symptom in chronic pancreatitis (CP) with a major impact on quality of life. Few validated questionnaires to assess pain in CP exist, and the lack of consensus negatively impacts clinical management, research and meta-analysis. This guideline aims to review generic pain questionnaires for their usability in CP, to outline how pain assessment can be modified by confounding factors and pain types, to assess the value of additional measures such as quality of life, mental health and quantitative sensory testing, and finally to review pain assessment questionnaires used specifically in CP. A systematic review was done to answer 27 questions that followed the PICO (Population; Intervention; Comparator; Outcome) template. Quality of evidence of the statements was judged by Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) criteria. The manuscript was sent for review to 36 experts from various disciplines and continents in a multi-stage Delphi process, and finally reviewed by patient representatives. Main findings were that generic pain instruments are valid in most settings, but aspects of pain are specific for CP (including in children), and instruments have to account for the wide phenotypic variability and development of sensitization of the central nervous system. Side effects to treatment and placebo effects shall also be considered. Some multidimensional questionnaires are validated for CP and are recommended together with assessment of quality of life and psychiatric co-morbidities. This guideline will result in more homogeneous and comprehensive pain assessment to potentially improve management of painful CP.

Pain Experience in Pancreatitis: Strong Association of Genetic Risk Loci for Anxiety and PTSD in Patients With Severe, Constant, and Constant-Severe Pain

INTRODUCTION

Recurrent acute pancreatitis (RAP) and chronic pancreatitis (CP) are progressive inflammatory syndromes with variable features. Pain is the primary feature that contributes to low physical and mental quality of life with a third of patients reporting severe pain. Pain experience is worsened by depression. Here, we tested the hypothesis that genetic risk of the psychiatric conditions of anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is associated with pain in CP and RAP + CP subjects.

METHODS

The study cohort included phenotyped and genotyped RAP and CP patients from the North American Pancreatitis Study II of European Ancestry. Candidate genetic association studies were based on the absence of pain vs pain that is constant, constant-severe, or severe. Twenty-eight candidate genetic loci for anxiety and PTSD risk were identified in the literature and were the focus of this study.

RESULTS

We identified 24 significant pain-associated single nucleotide polymorphisms within 13 loci across the 3 pain patterns in CP and RAP + CP (P < 0.002). Thirteen anxiety or PTSD genes were within these pain loci indicating nonrandom associations (P < 4.885 × 10-23). CTNND2 was associated with all pain categories and all pancreatitis etiologies. Implicated systems include neuronal signaling (HTR2A, DRD3, NPY, and BDNF), hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (NR3C1 and FKBP5), and cell-cell interaction (CTNND2 and THBS2).

DISCUSSION

A component of constant and severe pain in patients with RAP and CP is associated with genetic predisposition to anxiety and PTSD. Identification of patients at risk eligible for trials of targeted treatment as a component of a multidisciplinary pain management strategy should be formally evaluated.

Painful chronic pancreatitis - new approaches for evaluation and management

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Management of abdominal pain in patients with chronic pancreatitis is often suboptimal. We review recent data on the epidemiology and new approaches for managing pain in chronic pancreatitis.

RECENT FINDINGS

Chronic pancreatitis duration does not appear to affect the pain experience. Pain pattern in chronic pancreatitis patients frequently changes and is not related to traditional patient and disease-related factors. Psychologic comorbidities, i.e. anxiety and depression, are frequent in patients with chronic pancreatitis, and are associated with more severe pain and pain interference. Adjunctive treatments, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, may positively influence pain management in chronic pancreatitis. Total pancreatectomy with islet autotransplantation (TPIAT) is an increasingly adopted treatment option in painful chronic pancreatitis. Ongoing multicenter studies will help define optimal candidates, predictors of successful pain remission and diabetes outcomes after TPIAT. Pancreatic quantitative sensory testing, a promising technique to interrogate nociception and sensory response, holds promise to identify patients with central sensitization. Initial studies show feasibility to stratify patients into defined pain profiles, and future studies will explore if these can help in prognostication of pain therapy.

SUMMARY

Several lines of investigations currently under evaluation are likely to have a positive impact on the management of pain in chronic pancreatitis.

Two-Week Cervical Vagus Nerve Stimulation in Chronic Pancreatitis Patients Induces Functional Connectivity Changes of Limbic Structures

OBJECTIVES

Noninvasive vagus nerve stimulation (nVNS) has not only shown antinociceptive effects, but also demonstrated anti-inflammatory and antidepressant effects. These effects could be beneficial in chronic pancreatitis (CP) patients suffering from chronic abdominal pain, even though the underlying central mechanisms remain unclear. The aim was to investigate the effect of cervical nVNS in patients with painful CP on brain functional connectivity and cerebral metabolites.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In a randomized double-blind, sham-controlled crossover trial, we used resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging to investigate functional connectivity changes of limbic structures (seed-based analysis) after two weeks cervical nVNS treatment (GammaCore) as compared with two weeks sham treatment. Similarly, magnetic resonance spectroscopy was performed in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) with assessment of glutamate/creatine (Glu/cre) and N-acetylaspartate/creatine (NAA/cre).

RESULTS

Sixteen CP patients (mean age 56.6 ± 9.4 years) completed the trial. nVNS induced reduced functional connectivity compared to sham treatment between 1) bilateral thalamus and bilateral superior frontal gyrus, 2) ACC and putamen, and 3) posterior cingulate cortex and right thalamus (all p < 0.05). No changes were observed in Glu/cre (p = 0.96) and NAA/cre (p = 0.43) levels between the nVNS and sham treatments.

CONCLUSION

In our population of CP patients, cervical nVNS compared with sham treatment induced reduced functional connectivity of limbic structures, as also observed in other patient groups. The findings are relevant, since we have previously demonstrated an effect on pain scores in CP patients for both nVNS and sham treatment. Our results elucidate the effects in the central nervous system following nVNS treatment of CP patients, pointing at potential beneficial effects in this patient group.

Severe Pain in Chronic Pancreatitis Patients: Considering Mental Health and Associated Genetic Factors

Pain is the most distressing and disruptive feature of recurrent acute pancreatitis (RAP) and chronic pancreatitis (CP) resulting in low quality of life (QOL) and disabilities. There is no single, characteristic pain pattern in patients with RAP and CP. Abdominal imaging features of CP accurately reflect morphologic features but they do not correlate with pain. Pain is the major driver of poor quality of life (QOL) and it is the constant pain, rather than intermittent pain that drives poor QOL. Furthermore, the most severe constant pain experience in CP is also a complex condition. The ability to target the etiopathogenesis of severe pain requires new methods to detect the exact pain mechanisms in an individual at cellular, tissue, system and psychiatric levels. In patients with complex and severe disease, it is likely that multiple overlapping mechanisms are simultaneously driving pain, anxiety and depression. Quantitative sensory testing (QST) shows promise in detecting alterations in central processing of pain signals and to classify patients for mechanistic and therapeutic studies. New genetic research suggests that genetic loci for severe pain in CP overlap with genetic loci for depression and other psychiatric disorders, providing additional insights and therapeutic targets for individual patients with severe CP pain. Well-designed clinical trials that integrate clinical features, QST, genetics and psychological assessments with targeted treatment and assessment of responses are required for a quantum leap forward. A better understanding of the context and mechanisms contributing to severe pain experiences in individual patients is predicted to lead to better therapies and quality of life.