Gastroenterology
Pancreatitis
Pancreatitis is an inflammatory disorder of the pancreas that ranges in severity from mild, self-limiting cases to severe, life-threatening disease requiring intensive care. It is broadly categorized into acute pancreatitis (AP) and chronic pancreatitis (CP), both of which can lead to significant morbidity and mortality, particularly in critically ill patients.
Acute pancreatitis can result from various causes, including gallstones, alcohol use, and metabolic disturbances. Severe cases may progress to systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS), multiorgan dysfunction, and necrotizing pancreatitis, necessitating aggressive supportive care, antimicrobial stewardship, and potential surgical intervention. Chronic pancreatitis, on the other hand, is characterized by persistent inflammation leading to fibrosis, pancreatic insufficiency, and long-term complications.
This section compiles key clinical guidelines and expert reviews to provide healthcare professionals with evidence-based strategies for the diagnosis, management, and treatment of pancreatitis. From initial assessment and risk stratification to advanced interventions in severe cases, these resources serve as a critical reference for optimizing patient outcomes.
Severe acute pancreatitis
2019 WSES guidelines for the management of severe acute pancreatitis
Ari Leppäniemi et al., World Journal of Emergency Surgery (2019)
What’s inside
This article presents evidence-based international consensus statements on managing severe acute pancreatitis, developed by experts during the World Congress of Emergency Surgery in June 2018.
Why it’s relevant
The guidelines offer updated recommendations for diagnosing and treating severe acute pancreatitis, aiming to improve patient outcomes through standardized care practices.
Key focus
- Diagnosis
- Antibiotic treatment
- Intensive care management
- Surgical and operative management
- Open abdomen
Who it’s for
Healthcare professionals involved in the care of patients with severe acute pancreatitis, including surgeons, intensivists, gastroenterologists, and emergency medicine physicians.
Takeaway
The guidelines emphasize early identification of severe cases, judicious use of antibiotics, appropriate intensive care management, and timely surgical intervention to enhance patient outcomes in severe acute pancreatitis.