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AEG-AESPANC-OPGE-SIED-SPG Ibero-Latin American Guidelines on Acute Pancreatitis (iLATAM-AP)
Karina Cárdenas-Jaén1,2, Lucía Guilabert1,2, Emma Martínez-Moneo3
1Department of Gastroenterology, Dr. Balmis University General Hospital, Alicante, Spain.
United European Gastroenterology Journal
|May 30, 2026
Summary
This guideline provides evidence-based recommendations for acute pancreatitis (AP) diagnosis and management, aiming to improve care quality in Ibero-Latin America. It addresses mild and complicated AP, integrating various treatment approaches for better patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology
- Clinical Practice Guidelines
- Pancreatology
Background:
- Acute pancreatitis (AP) is a significant cause of hospitalization globally, with up to one-third of cases experiencing severe complications.
- Existing advances necessitate updated guidance due to clinical heterogeneity and the need for improved implementation in Ibero-Latin America.
- This guideline aims to enhance the dissemination of best practices by uniting regional experts and scientific societies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop comprehensive, evidence-based clinical practice guidelines for the diagnosis and management of acute pancreatitis (AP).
- To address the need for updated, implementable recommendations across Ibero-Latin American healthcare settings.
- To integrate medical, endoscopic, and surgical approaches for consistent, high-quality AP care.
Main Methods:
- Expert teams from the Iberian Peninsula and Latin America conducted systematic reviews of RCTs and systematic reviews (1979-2024).
- Searches were expanded to observational studies if high-quality evidence was lacking.
- Recommendations were formulated using the GRADE system, refined through expert panel consensus, and registered in PROSPERO.
Main Results:
- Twenty evidence-based recommendations were developed for AP management, covering diagnosis, etiology, and treatment.
- Key areas addressed include local complications, splanchnic vein thrombosis, abdominal compartment syndrome, and intensive care admission.
- Recommendations detail evidence levels, strength, and supporting evidence for each statement.
Conclusions:
- The iLATAM guidelines represent the first Ibero-Latin American clinical practice guidelines for AP.
- They offer integrated recommendations for medical, endoscopic, and surgical management.
- The goal is to promote standardized, high-quality AP care across diverse regional healthcare settings.
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