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Acute pancreatitis in childhood: analysis of literature data
1Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition Unit, Soroka Medical Center, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel.
Insights
Childhood acute pancreatitis can lead to significant illness and death. Pediatricians must recognize this condition, as it requires prompt diagnosis and management to improve outcomes for affected children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Clinical Pediatrics
Background:
- Acute pancreatitis in children is often underestimated.
- This condition can result in substantial morbidity and mortality.
Purpose of the Study:
- To comprehensively review the existing literature on childhood acute pancreatitis.
- To analyze the etiologies, diagnostic methods, and outcomes of pediatric acute pancreatitis.
Main Methods:
- A systematic search of the English medical literature from 1965 to the present was conducted using MEDLINE.
- Data from 589 pediatric patients diagnosed with acute pancreatitis were analyzed.
Main Results:
- The most common etiologies included idiopathic (23%), trauma (22%), and structural anomalies (15%).
- Diagnosis relied heavily on abdominal ultrasonography (81%) and elevated serum amylase (63%).
- The study reported a 9.7% mortality rate and a 9% recurrence rate.
Conclusions:
- Childhood acute pancreatitis is a serious condition with significant morbidity and mortality.
- Increased awareness among pediatricians is crucial for timely diagnosis and effective management.
Goals:
To review the published experience with acute pancreatitis in childhood.
Study:
Computerized search of the English medical literature since 1965 using MEDLINE.
Results:
Details of 589 patients were reviewed. Mean age was 9.2 +/- 2.4 years (range: 1 week to 21 years). Male to female ratio was 1.2. Etiologies included (n = 589): idiopathic (23%), trauma (22%), structural anomalies (15%), multisystem disease (14%), drugs and toxins (12%), viral infections (10%), hereditary (2%) and metabolic disorders (2%). Diagnosis was based most often on abnormal abdominal ultrasonography (81%) and on elevated serum amylase levels (63%). Radiograph findings were helpful in 34%. In 16% of the patients the diagnosis was based only on laparotomy. Mean hospital stay was 13.2 +/- 2.4 days and TPN was required in 28% of the patients. In 24% of the subjects a surgical intervention was indicated. Recurrence was reported in 9%, most of them with idiopathic and structural etiologies. Fatal outcome was described in 9.7% of the patients.
Conclusions:
Acute pancreatitis of childhood, although considered sometimes as a minor disorder, carries significant morbidity and mortality. Therefore, pediatricians should be more aware of this illness.
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