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Acute pancreatitis in pregnancy: an overview
Efstathios P Papadakis1, Maria Sarigianni, Dimitri P Mikhailidis
13rd Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hippokration General Hospital, Aristotle University Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece.
Summary
Acute pancreatitis in pregnancy, though rare, significantly raises maternal and fetal mortality risks. Early diagnosis and management of causes like gallstones and hypertriglyceridemia are crucial for better outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Gastroenterology
- Critical Care Medicine
Background:
- Acute pancreatitis during pregnancy presents a rare but serious complication.
- It is linked to elevated maternal and fetal mortality rates.
- Upper quadrant abdominal pain, with or without nausea/vomiting, necessitates considering pancreatitis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the causes, diagnosis, and management of acute pancreatitis in pregnancy.
- To highlight the importance of early recognition and intervention.
- To discuss current therapeutic strategies and preventive measures.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on acute pancreatitis in pregnancy.
- Analysis of common etiologies including gallstones, alcohol, and hypertriglyceridemia.
- Discussion of diagnostic tools such as ultrasound and laboratory tests (amylase, triglycerides, calcium).
Main Results:
- Increased amylase activity is a key laboratory finding.
- Ultrasound, serum triglycerides, and ionized calcium aid in diagnosis.
- Management strategies for gallstone pancreatitis (laparoscopic cholecystectomy, ERCP) and hypertriglyceridemia-induced pancreatitis (ω-3 fatty acids, plasma exchange) are discussed.
Conclusions:
- Acute pancreatitis in pregnancy requires prompt consideration in differential diagnoses.
- Timely and appropriate management, tailored to the underlying cause, is essential to reduce maternal and fetal mortality.
- Preventive strategies should also be considered.
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