What is the Definition of Acute Pancreatitis?

Discussion Acute pancreatitis (AP) is a reversible process that involves interstitial edema, inflammatory infiltrates, hemorrhage and necrosis of the pancreas to varying degrees. AP’s incidence is increasing in recent years but the reason for the increase is unknown. The common causes of AP includes biliary abnormalities, medication, idiopathic, systemic disease, trauma, infectious, metabolic and hereditary. Most children with AP present with abdominal pain that is usually epigastric but may be diffuse. Radiation may occur to the back but is less common. Patients often have nausea and emesis. Abdominal distension, fever, jaundice, ascites and pleural effusions can occur. Irritability is also common in young children. The most common abdominal mass in AP are pseudocysts. Common radiographic changes include pancreatic edema, heterogeneity, and peripancreatic fluid. AP’s treatment is usually supportive with hydration, nutrition and analgesia. Mild AP cases resolve within 7 days. Early onset complications include shock and multi-organ system dysfunction particularly of the kidney and lung. Late onset complications are organ necrosis and pseudocyst formation. About 15-35% of patients may have a recurrence of acute pancreatitis also. Learning Point AP is a clinical entity whose generally accepted definition using the 1992 Atlanta consensus conference criteria is for the patient to have 2 of 3 criteria: Abdominal pain compatable with AP Elevated amylase/lipase that ...
Source: PediatricEducation.org - Category: Pediatrics Authors: Tags: Uncategorized Source Type: news