A clinical profile and outcome of patients with acute pancreatitis

A clinical profile and outcome of patients with acute pancreatitis: A prospective study in North India: Yamandeep Chauhan, Neha Jindal, Ram Kumar Verma, Praveen Kumar Tyagi, Madhulata Rana, Sukhwinder Singh



Archives of International Surgery 2018 8(3):132-138



Background: Acute Pancreatitis (AP) is an inflammatory process. The average mortality rate in severe AP approaches 2%–10%. Gall stones and alcohol abuse account for 70% of cases of acute pancreatitis. Almost all patients have acute upper abdominal pain. Systemic complications and multi organ system failure may develop.

Patients and Methods: A prospective study conducted from November 2016 to December 2017 in Shri Guru Ram Rai Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, Dehradun, India, in patients who were diagnosed to have acute pancreatitis. A total of 54 patients were enrolled in the study out of which four patients had left against medical advice. The data collected were evaluated to see the outcome.

Results: Majority of patients 22 (44.0%) were in age group ranging from 41 to 60 years. Males were dominant (58%). The most common etiology was alcoholism followed by gall stone. The majority of patients were found with abdominal pain (100.0%). The majority of the patients were having moderate Balthazar CT Severity Index (CTSI) (54.0%). In all, 43 patients were having pancreatic complications and pancreatic necrosis was the commonest; 31 developed extra-pancreatic complications, among which pleural effusion was the commonest. Some patients were having multiple complications. The duration of hospital stay was highest in severe group of Balthazar CTSI. Rise in total leucocyte count, serum amylase level and low calcium levels were significantly associated with increase in pancreatic/extra-pancreatic complications. There was only 1 (2%) patient who died and remaining 49 (98%) patients were discharged.

Conclusion: Most common etiology of acute pancreatitis was alcohol consumption (50%) followed by gall stones (32%). Increases in total leucocyte count, serum amylase level and low level of serum calcium were significantly associated with increase in pancreatic/extra-pancreatic complications leading to higher morbidity and hospital stay. Patients with higher Balthazar CTSI were having higher morbidity.