Abstract
The incidence of acute and chronic pancreatitis is increasing in the United States. Rates of acute pancreatitis (AP) are similar in both sexes, but chronic pancreatitis (CP) is more common in males. When stratified by etiology, women have higher rates of gallstone AP, while men have higher rates of alcohol- and tobacco-related AP and CP, hypercalcemic AP, hypertriglyceridemic AP, malignancy-related AP, and type 1 autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP). No significant sex-related differences have been reported in medication-induced AP or type 2 AIP. Whether post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis is sex-associated remains controversial. Animal models have demonstrated sex-related differences in the rates of induction and severity of AP, CP, and AIP. Animal and human studies have suggested that a combination of risk factor profiles, as well as genes, may be responsible for the observed differences. More investigation into the sex-related differences of AP and CP is desired in order to improve clinical management by developing effective prevention strategies, diagnostics, and therapeutics.
Highlights
Acute pancreatitis (AP) is a painful and sudden inflammatory condition of the pancreas and is the most common gastrointestinal diagnosis requiring hospitalization [1]
Though originally thought to be two distinct diseases, it has been shown that recurrent episodes of AP can lead to the development of chronic pancreatitis (CP), a condition characterized by progressive inflammation and fibrosis
Men are more likely to develop recurrent acute pancreatitis (RAP), which can lead to the development of CP by healing areas of necrosis with fibrotic tissue
Summary
Acute pancreatitis (AP) is a painful and sudden inflammatory condition of the pancreas and is the most common gastrointestinal diagnosis requiring hospitalization [1]. Though originally thought to be two distinct diseases, it has been shown that recurrent episodes of AP can lead to the development of chronic pancreatitis (CP), a condition characterized by progressive inflammation and fibrosis. It is well known that a combination of risk factors and genetics contribute to the development of pancreatitis; the impact of sex is not well understood. Investigation into whether sex is associated with the development, progression or outcomes of pancreatitis is warranted.
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