Temporal Changes in Quality of Life in Patients With Alcohol-Associated Acute Pancreatitis

Quality of life (QOL) after acute pancreatitis (AP) has been assessed months to years after the episode. Our aim was to define the QOL during hospitalization and at short-term follow-up in AP patients.

We analyzed responses to the PROMIS-29 questionnaire completed during hospitalization by 137 participants with alcohol-related AP or recurrent AP. A subset (n=63) also completed PROMIS-29 within 5-20 months after discharge (median: 11 wk). Summary physical and mental QOL T-scores were computed using a validated algorithm. T-score change from baseline to follow-up of ≥3 points was considered a clinically meaningful change. Univariate and multivariable linear regressions evaluated factors associated with QOL.

During hospitalization, physical (T-score 30.0±8.0) and mental QOL (38.4±3.6) were profoundly lower than population standards (50±10). On multivariable analyses, the presence of diabetes was associated with lower physical QOL (-3.72 points) and current marijuana use was associated with lower mental QOL (-1.62 points). At follow-up, 84% participants had no change in physical QOL T-score (mean change: -2.26 points), while mental QOL improved in 80% (mean change +7.6 points). Odds of maintaining or improving physical QOL were inversely associated with body mass index (OR: 0.91/unit), and of improving mental QOL increased with non-Hispanic or Latino ethnicity (OR: 10.62) and presence of no other psychiatric history (OR: 7.14).

QOL is profoundly affected during hospitalization for alcohol-related AP, with persistent impairment in physical QOL at short-term follow-up. Efforts to address physical rehabilitation and mental health support during and in the posthospitalization period may help optimize outcomes in alcohol-associated AP.