Acute pancreatitis ten years experience in the Waikato district

Seventy patients admitted to Waikato Hospital between 1964-74 with acute pancreatitis have been reviewed. Biliary tract disease and alcohol are the most common aetiological agents. The disease is most common in middle age. Europeans and Polynesians have similar incidence rates. The diagnosis is frequently not made at admission and most admissions are in the afternoon or early evening. Radiology is helpful in the diagnosis although nonspecific. Abnormal biochemistry is discussed and related to mortality. Additional tests, serum catalase/methaemalbumin are promoted to assist in the diagnosis and indicating the severity of the disease. Glucagon and Trasylol are discussed as being beneficial in this disease and combination therapy is suggested. The role of surgery is discussed.