Acute pancreatitis- a narrative review

Authors

  • Zahabia Sohail Department of Gastroenterology, Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan
  • Hafsa Shaikh Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan
  • Nimra Iqbal Final Year MBBS Student, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
  • Om Parkash Department of Gastroenterology, Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47391/JPMA.9280

Keywords:

Acute pancreatitis, Aetiology, Outcomes

Abstract

Acute pancreatitis is a common cause of acute abdominal pain and can range from mild oedema to severe necrosis of the pancreas. It has a significant impact on morbidity, mortality and financial burden. The global prevalence of pancreatitis is substantial, with the highest rates observed in central and eastern Europe. Diagnosing acute pancreatitis involves considering clinical symptoms, elevated serum amylase and/or lipase levels, and characteristic imaging findings. The causes of acute pancreatitis include obstructive disorders, such as gallstones and biliary sludge, alcohol consumption, smoking, drug-induced pancreatitis, metabolic disorders, trauma, medical procedures, infections, vascular diseases and autoimmune pancreatitis. Appropriate management of acute pancreatitis involves determining the severity of the condition, providing supportive care, addressing the underlying cause, and preventing complications. Advances in classifying the severity of acute pancreatitis and implementing goal-directed therapy have contributed to a decrease in mortality rates.

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Published

2024-04-22

How to Cite

Zahabia Sohail, Shaikh, H., Nimra Iqbal, & Om Parkash. (2024). Acute pancreatitis- a narrative review. Journal of the Pakistan Medical Association, 74(5), 953–958. https://doi.org/10.47391/JPMA.9280

Issue

Section

Narrative Review

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