Related Experiment Videos
Acute pancreatitis and fulminant hepatic failure
P C Kuo1, J S Plotkin, L B Johnson
1Department of Surgery, University of Maryland, Baltimore, USA.
Journal of the American College of Surgeons
|November 11, 1998
Summary
Acute pancreatitis significantly increases disease severity and mortality in patients with fulminant hepatic failure (FHF) and acutely decompensated chronic liver disease. Its frequency is similar in both conditions, suggesting liver transplantation may not be indicated.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Gastroenterology
- Critical Care Medicine
Background:
- Acute pancreatitis association with fulminant hepatic failure (FHF) noted since 1973.
- Limited studies detail FHF patients with acute pancreatitis.
- Distinguishing pancreatitis attributes in FHF aids clinical management.
Purpose of the Study:
- Identify distinguishing clinical characteristics of acute pancreatitis in FHF.
- Compare outcomes of FHF with acute pancreatitis to decompensated chronic liver disease (DECOMP) with acute pancreatitis.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective survey.
- 30 patients with FHF and 30 with DECOMP.
- Data collected from July 1995 to July 1997.
Main Results:
- Acute pancreatitis prevalence: 33% in FHF, 23% in DECOMP.
- Associated with severe liver dysfunction, renal insufficiency, intubation, increased illness acuity, rapid decompensation, and higher mortality in both groups.
- No significant difference in acute pancreatitis frequency between FHF and DECOMP.
Conclusions:
- Acute pancreatitis worsens disease acuity and mortality in both FHF and DECOMP.
- Acute pancreatitis frequency is not significantly higher in FHF.
- Orthotopic liver transplantation may not be warranted for FHF with acute pancreatitis.