EP.TH.289Diagnosis of the aetiology of acute pancreatitis at a district Hospital: A retrospective audit

Abstract

Abstract Introduction The correct diagnosis of acute pancreatitis should be made in all patients within 48 hours of admission. According to recently published NICE (NG 147) guidelines for diagnosis of aetiology of acute pancreatitis should be determined in at least 80% of cases and no more than 20% should be classified as idiopathic. We aim to overview our current practice compared to guidelines. Early identification of aetiology is essential. Materials and Methods Patients diagnosed to have pancreatitis presenting to surgical assessment unit from March 1st 2019 to December 31st 2019. Sample size audited 291. The diagnosis of acute pancreatitis is made with a combination of history, physical examination and laboratory evaluation. Further investigations were done for the ethology. These patients were identified from their discharge information. They had raised amylase along with history suggestive of pancreatitis and were analysed retrospectively. Results Of all the pancreatitis patients admitted in SAU, 88 (30%) were due to biliary, 40 (16%) alcohol related, 20 (7%) other causes whereas 134 (46%) were classified as idiopathic. 3 patients self-discharged. Conclusion In our trust it seems that aetiology of acute pancreatitis is not adequately investigated. Most of other blood investigations were not performed in index admission and relevant drug history was not elicited. This failure of non-identification of gallstones could be attributed to operator dependant and they didn’t have second USS as advised. We formulated an action plan with detailed history with adequate step wise investigations which will benefit the patients.