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[Acute pancreatitis in childhood. Is it the same disease in adults?]

Carlos Baeza-Herrera1, Luis Velasco-Soria, Francisco Mora-Hernández

  • 1Jefe del Departamento de Cirugía General, Hospital Pediátrico Moctezuma, Oriente 158, No. 189, Col. Moctezuma 2a Sec., Deleg. Venustiano Carranza, C.P. 15500, México D.F., México.

Cirugia Y Cirujanos
|February 27, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Acute pancreatitis in children is rare but increasingly recognized, often presenting with abdominal pain and vomiting. Biliary disease and trauma are common causes, and diagnosis can be challenging, sometimes leading to unnecessary surgery.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Gastroenterology
  • Surgical Pediatrics
  • Abdominal Pain Management

Context:

  • Acute pancreatitis in children is an uncommon condition, frequently overlooked in diagnosing pediatric abdominal pain.
  • It differs significantly from adult pancreatitis in etiology and treatment.
  • Recognition of pediatric pancreatitis is increasing.

Purpose:

  • To analyze the clinical presentation, etiology, diagnosis, and outcomes of acute pancreatitis in children.
  • To highlight the diagnostic challenges and complications associated with pediatric pancreatitis.

Summary:

  • Fifty children with acute pancreatitis were retrospectively studied.
  • Abdominal pain and vomiting were the most common symptoms.
  • Biliary disease (over 40 cases) and trauma (30% of cases) were primary etiologies.
  • Diagnostic difficulties led to unnecessary laparotomies in 32% of patients.
  • Complications included sepsis, diabetic ketoacidosis, and pancreatic pseudocyst.
  • Pediatric pancreatitis is often misdiagnosed as appendicitis.

Impact:

  • This study underscores the importance of considering acute pancreatitis in the differential diagnosis of pediatric abdominal pain.
  • It highlights the unique etiological factors and clinical course in children compared to adults.
  • Improved diagnostic strategies are needed to reduce misdiagnosis and unnecessary surgical interventions.
Abstract

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