Acute pancreatitis in pediatrics: a systematic review of the literature

Eduardo Mekitarian Filho1, Werther Brunow de Carvalho, Felipe Duarte Silva

  • 1Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil. emf2002@uol.com.br

Insights

Acute pancreatitis in children is increasingly recognized, with common causes including biliary disease and trauma. Early diagnosis and management are crucial for better outcomes and preventing complications.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Gastroenterology
  • Hepatology
  • Pancreatology

Background:

  • Acute pancreatitis in children is a growing concern.
  • Increasing incidence reported in recent literature.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To comprehensively review epidemiological, clinical, diagnostic, and treatment aspects of pediatric acute pancreatitis.
  • To synthesize current knowledge on managing acute pancreatitis in children.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic review of MEDLINE and SciELO databases (last 5 years).
  • Inclusion of relevant references from obtained texts.

Main Results:

  • Key etiologies include biliary disease, drug-induced pancreatitis, hereditary pancreatitis, and trauma; 30% idiopathic.
  • Diagnosis relies on clinical, laboratory (acinar enzymes), and radiological findings.
  • Initial management focuses on volume resuscitation, metabolic correction, and nutritional support; long-term complications and mortality are low compared to adults.

Conclusions:

  • Early diagnosis and appropriate management improve outcomes and reduce complications.
  • Further research needed on diagnostic criteria and nutritional therapy for pediatric pancreatitis.
Abstract

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