Pattern Of Acute Pancreatitis: The Liaquat University Hospital Experience

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: To determine the aetiological factors, presentation and management of acute pancreatitis and to assess the outcome of different forms of management in our set up. DESIGN: A case series. SETTING: Liaquat University Hospital, Jamshoro/Hyderabad - Sindh from January 2002 to December 2004. METHOD: The data of 45 consecutive patients admitted with acute pancreatitis was collected through a proforma and assessed with reference to aetiological factors, clinical presentation and management in each case. RESULTS: Majority (60%) of the patients belonged to 30-40 years of age. Thirty-six (80%) patients presented in emergency. The most common aetiological factor for acute pancreatitis was gallstones and the pain, nausea and vomiting were the main symptoms. Serum amylase (>3 x normal) was seen in 36(80%) patients. Prediction of severity was identified through Ranson score. It was 50% cases. CONCLUSION: Acute pancreatitis in our set up shows a lower frequency of this disease when compared to the world literature. However, when compared with aetiology and presentation, the pattern remains the same. Meanwhile, due to adoptation of Western way of life, the incidence seems to be increasing. Due to patient’s delayed arrival, the diagnosis depending upon the level of serum amylase seems to be misleading.