Acute pancreatitis associated with multibacillary polychemotherapy for leprosy

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Infectious Diseases
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Acute pancreatitis (AP) is an inflammatory condition typically caused by gallstones or alcohol.
• Drug-induced AP is uncommon, poorly understood, and requires high clinical suspicion for diagnosis.
• Leprosy is a chronic infectious disease treated with multidrug therapy (MDT).

Observation:

• A 37-year-old male with leprosy developed AP after initiating multibacillary polychemotherapy (PCT/MB).
• AP recurred upon restarting PCT/MB after a temporary discontinuation.
• Readministration of PCT/MB with a modified drug regimen prevented further AP episodes or reactions.

Findings:

• This case highlights a potential link between MDT for leprosy and the development of AP.
• The patient experienced recurrent AP episodes, suggesting a drug-related etiology.
• Modifying the MDT regimen successfully resolved the AP and prevented recurrence.

Implications:

• Clinicians should consider AP as a potential adverse effect in leprosy patients undergoing MDT.
• Careful monitoring for AP symptoms is crucial in this patient population.
• Individualized adjustments to MDT regimens may be necessary to mitigate AP risk.