Advances in acute and chronic pancreatitis

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology and Hepatology
• Pancreatology
• Translational Medicine

Background:

• Acute pancreatitis (AP) and chronic pancreatitis are significant causes of hospital admissions in the US.
• Existing management strategies for pancreatitis have limitations, necessitating novel approaches.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent (2019-2022) international findings on pancreatitis.
• To identify key advancements in genetic understanding, diagnostics, and treatment for AP and chronic pancreatitis.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of international literature published between 2019 and December 2022.
• Categorization of new findings into genetic, diagnostic, and therapeutic domains.

Main Results:

• Identification of new pathogenic mutations (e.g., TRPV6) and their population-specific implications.
• Discovery of serum fatty acid ethyl esters as a marker for alcohol-associated AP and insights into monocyte/macrophase roles.
• Innovations in early oral feeding, fluid management, and a shift towards non-operative treatment for infected pancreatic necrosis.
• Development of evidence-based recommendations for chronic pancreatitis pain management.

Conclusions:

• Recent research offers promising avenues for improving pancreatitis management and patient outcomes.
• These advances have the potential to alter the natural history of pancreatitis, despite the lack of a definitive cure.