Acute pancreatitis in children

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Gastroenterology
• Hepatology
• Surgical Pediatrics

Background:

• Acute pancreatitis in children presents diagnostic challenges.
• Etiologies are diverse, including trauma, viral infections, and idiopathic causes.
• Historical management often involved invasive procedures with potential for misdiagnosis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the management and outcomes of pediatric acute pancreatitis.
• To identify challenges in diagnosis and treatment.
• To highlight advancements in diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of 29 pediatric acute pancreatitis cases (1971-1983).
• Analysis of etiology, diagnostic methods, complications, and treatment strategies.
• Evaluation of the impact of new technologies like ERCP and ultrasonography.

Main Results:

• Common etiologies included idiopathic (13), trauma (5), and mumps (5).
• Diagnostic difficulties led to 7 unnecessary laparotomies; one case had coexisting appendicitis.
• Morbidity included relapses (7) and pseudocysts (3).

Conclusions:

• Improved diagnostic accuracy with ERCP and ultrasonography enhanced patient care.
• Total parenteral nutrition became crucial for severe or prolonged cases.
• Advances in imaging and nutritional support refined pediatric acute pancreatitis management.