Acute pancreatitis in the elderly - Can we perform better?

Clinical evaluation of the severity of acute pancreatitis in elderly patients

Background and study aims

Acute pancreatitis incidence in geriatric patients has increased in recent years. The aim of this study is to compare the clinical outcomes, laboratory findings of acute pancreatitis among patients aged 65-74 years, 75-84 years and ≥85 years.

Patients and methods

This retrospective study analyzed 500 patients aged 65 years and above, who were diagnosed with acute pancreatitis between 2012 and 2022. They were categorized into three groups based on their age: 65-74 years, 75-84 years, and ≥85 years. The primary outcome of the study focused on comparing the hospital mortality rates among the three age groups. The secondary outcomes involved comparing the length of hospital stay, intensive care unit admission, rates of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), and cholecystectomy requirement among the three age groups.

Results

The study's primary outcome is the significantly higher mortality rate in the oldest age group (p=0.002). In addition, patients with a Bedside index score ≥3, severe pancreatitis according to the revised Atlanta criteria, necrotizing pancreatitis, and drug-induced pancreatitis had significantly higher mortality rates. Hospitalized patients in the intensive care unit also showed a statistically significant increase in mortality rates. Interestingly, the rate of cholecystectomy operations was significantly lower in the group with higher mortality (p=0.030). When evaluated in terms of secondary outcomes, no significant difference was found in all three age groups.

Conclusions

The findings of this study indicate that the oldest age group had a significantly higher mortality rate compared to the other age groups. As a result, early diagnosis and prompt treatment are of utmost importance to enhance outcomes in this vulnerable population.

65 yaş üstü hastalarda puanlama sistemlerinin şiddetli akut pankreatiti ve mortaliteyi erken öngörme açısından değerlendirilmesi

Purpose: The aim of this study is to investigate the power of disease severity scores to predict the development of Severe Acute Pancreatitis (SAP) and mortality in the early period over 65 years old diagnosed with acute pancreatitis in the emergency department. Materials and Methods: We calculated RANSON (on admission) and Computed Tomography Severity Index (CTSI) in addition to Bedside Index for Severity in Acute Pancreatitis (BISAP) score on admission to the emergency department. Results: One hundred and sixty patients (46.9% over 80 years of age) were included in the study. We observed statistically higher length of hospitalization, longer duration of stay in the intensive care unit, SAP and higher mortality in patients over 80 years of age. When we examined the ROC curve, we determined that the AUC values of the BISAP score were highest in both SAP and mortality estimation (AUC: 0.911, 95% CI 0.861-0.962; AUC: 0.918, 95% CI 0.864-0.9722, respectively). Binary logistic analysis indicated a 4.7-fold increased risk for SAP and a 12.3-fold increased mortality for each unit increase in BISAP score value. Conclusion: BISAP may be a good predictor for SAP and mortality estimation on admission to the emergency department in patients over 65 years of age with acute pancreatitis.

Acute Pancreatitis: Diagnosis and Treatment

Acute pancreatitis is a common indication for hospital admission, increasing in incidence, including in children, pregnancy and the elderly. Moderately severe acute pancreatitis with fluid and/or necrotic collections causes substantial morbidity, and severe disease with persistent organ failure causes significant mortality. The diagnosis requires two of upper abdominal pain, amylase/lipase ≥ 3 ×upper limit of normal, and/or cross-sectional imaging findings. Gallstones and ethanol predominate while hypertriglyceridaemia and drugs are notable among many causes. Serum triglycerides, full blood count, renal and liver function tests, glucose, calcium, transabdominal ultrasound, and chest imaging are indicated, with abdominal cross-sectional imaging if there is diagnostic uncertainty. Subsequent imaging is undertaken to detect complications, for example, if C-reactive protein exceeds 150 mg/L, or rarer aetiologies. Pancreatic intracellular calcium overload, mitochondrial impairment, and inflammatory responses are critical in pathogenesis, targeted in current treatment trials, which are crucially important as there is no internationally licenced drug to treat acute pancreatitis and prevent complications. Initial priorities are intravenous fluid resuscitation, analgesia, and enteral nutrition, and when necessary, critical care and organ support, parenteral nutrition, antibiotics, pancreatic exocrine and endocrine replacement therapy; all may have adverse effects. Patients with local complications should be referred to specialist tertiary centres to guide further management, which may include drainage and/or necrosectomy. The impact of acute pancreatitis can be devastating, so prevention or reduction of the risk of recurrence and progression to chronic pancreatitis with an increased risk of pancreas cancer requires proactive management that should be long term for some patients.

Characteristics and clinical outcomes of patients over 80 years of age with acute pancreatitis

BACKGROUND

In this study, we aimed to compare differences in disease course, etiology of acute pancreatitis admission to the intensive care unit, in-hospital mortality, disease severity, and local and systemic complications between patients aged ≥ 80 years (octogenarians) and patients aged between 65 and 79 years (non-octogenarians), all of whom were being followed with the diagnosis of acute pancreatitis.

METHODS

Patients aged 65 years and older with a diagnosis of acute biliary pancreatitis were included in the study. Clinical findings, routine laboratory test results, and imaging findings of all patients were reviewed retrospectively via the hospital's records system.

RESULTS

Of a total of 402 enrolled patients, 238 (59.2%) were female. Mean age was 77.1 ± 7.37 years. Pancreatitis after endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography was detected more frequently among octogenarians than non-octogenarians (12.9% versus 5.3%, respectively; p = 0.007). Levels of blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, and total bilirubin were higher among octogenarians, while lymphocyte, calcium, and albumin levels were lower. The frequency of patients without local complications was higher among octogenarians than non-octogenarians (75.5% versus 63.6%, respectively; p = 0.013). Necrosis was less frequent in the octogenarian group than the non-octogenarian group (2.6% versus 8.9%, respectively; p = 0.012). Mild acute pancreatitis was higher in the octogenarian group, while moderate acute pancreatitis was higher in the non-octogenarian group (p = 0.028 and p = 0.012, respectively).

CONCLUSION

The frequencies of prolonged hospitalization, intensive care unit admission, and in-hospital mortality were similar in the octogenarian and non-octogenarian groups. In terms of disease severity, mild acute pancreatitis was higher in the octogenarian group, while moderate acute pancreatitis was higher in the non-octogenarian group.

Acute pancreatitis in the older patient: Is a new risk score required?

INTRODUCTION

The average age of the surgical patient in the UK is increasing. Frailty and cognitive impairment have been shown to be important risk factors in elderly patients with surgical pathology. Limited work has previously assessed the outcomes of acute pancreatitis in the elderly population and the usefulness of current severity scoring methods. We aimed to assess the mortality rates in this cohort and identify any factors that may influence patient outcome.

METHODS

All patients ≥ 80 years admitted with acute pancreatitis between 1 January 2014 and 31 May 2018 were retrospectively identified. Disease severity scores were measured by a modified Ranson score, and patients' co-morbidities were quantified with the Charlson Comorbidity Index. Primary endpoint was whether the patient was alive at discharge; multilevel logistic regression was used to identify any independent risk factors for patient outcomes.

RESULTS

Eighty-seven patients were included, with an average age of 86 years. The most common aetiology was gallstones. Nine patients died during admission, and ITU admission was the only predictor of mortality (p = 0.027). Twenty-three patients had died by one year. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography was more common in patients with gallstone disease who were alive at one year (p = 0.029).

DISCUSSION

Risk severity and co-morbidity scores are not predictive of outcomes in elderly patients with acute pancreatitis. The use of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography should be considered in elderly patients with acute gallstone pancreatitis where suitable. Further work is needed to identify improved mortality prediction tools in the elderly with acute pancreatitis and optimal management strategies.

Factors predicting the severity of acute pancreatitis in elderly patients

BACKGROUND

Moderately severe acute pancreatitis (MSAP) and severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) are associated with organ failure (OF), which can be lethal.

AIMS

This study determined the factors that predict the severity of AP at admission in elderly patients.

METHODS

In this retrospective study, the data from elderly patients (> 60 years of age) admitted within 72 h of onset of symptoms without OF were collected. These data at admission were analyzed and correlated with the severity of AP. To identify the factors associated with more serious AP (i.e. MSAP and SAP), patients were divided into mild acute pancreatitis (MAP) and MSAP + SAP groups.

RESULTS

A total of 198 patients [MAP group (n = 135) and MSAP + SAP group (n = 63)] were included. Biliary disease was the most common etiology. Respiratory failure was the most common OF. Logistic regression analyses indicated that idiopathic etiology (odds ratio [OR]: 3.029, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.017-9.022, p = 0.047), pre-existing pulmonary disease (OR: 7.104, CI 1.750-28.84, p = 0.006), increased hematocrit level (OR: 3.717, 95%CI 1.372-10.070, p = 0.010), serum calcium (OR: 0.023, 95%CI 0.001-0.371, p = 0.008), serum glucose (OR: 1.157, 95%CI 1.031-1.299, p = 0.013), arterial partial pressure of oxygen (PaO₂) (OR: 0.914, 95%CI 0.874-0.956, p < 0.001), and pleural effusion (OR: 4.979, 95%CI 1.863-13.303, p = 0.001) were independent predictors of more serious AP.

CONCLUSION

This study found that idiopathic etiology, pre-existing pulmonary diseases, increased hematocrit level or pleural effusion, higher serum glucose, and lower serum calcium or PaO₂ at the time of admission independently correlated with more serious AP in the elderly patients.

Clinical outcomes of acute pancreatitis in elderly patients: An experience of single tertiary center

BACKGROUND

Although well understanding the course of diseases in geriatric population is of paramount importance in order to provide the optimal treatment, there is only a few studies with controversial results that have been conducted about the course and outcomes of acute pancreatitis (AP) in elderly. We aimed to compare clinical outcomes of AP disease in geriatric age group and to evaluate the risk factors affecting outcomes.

METHODS

A total of 336 patients diagnosed with AP, hospitalized and followed-up in our hospital between July/2013-February/2019 were included in this study. Patients aged 65 years and over were assessed as elderly population. Patients' demographic data, comorbidities, duration of hospitalization, local systemic complications, and mortality rates were documented.

RESULTS

196(58.3%) of the patients were female with a mean age of 54.1 ± 17.9 years. The number of patients was 114(33.9%) in the elderly group and 222(66.1%) in the non-elderly group. Although there was no significant difference between both groups in terms of abscess, pseudocyst and necrosis, pancreatic necrosis and systemic complications were higher in the elderly group (p < 0.05). The durations of oral intake and hospitalization were longer, the mortality rate and severity of AP according to the Ranson and Atlanta criteria were significantly higher in the geriatric population (p < 0.05). In addition, age and severity of AP were found to be independent predictive factors of developing complications.

CONCLUSIONS

Early recognition of AP is important in the geriatric population. Clinical and laboratory investigations, and early diagnosis in severe patients will be largely helpful in providing close follow-up and the optimal treatment.

The Clinical Characteristics of Acute Pancreatitis in Gerontal Patients: A Retrospective Study

Background

The incidence of acute pancreatitis (AP) in ageing patients has increased in recent years, and results regarding the clinical outcomes of these patients are controversial. The aim of this study was to compare the clinical outcomes of AP in ageing patients over 60 years old.

Methods

Eighty patients aged ≥80 years (oldest group) were compared to 393 patients aged 60 to 79 years (older group). The clinical course and biochemical and radiological data were evaluated. The primary endpoints were mortality rate, intensive care unit (ICU) admission rate and in-hospital length of stay (LOS). The secondary endpoints were the incidence of operative treatment and complications of AP.

Results

Abdominal pain (61.3% vs 46.3%, P=0.013) was less common in the oldest group. Jaundice (17.5% vs 8.9%, P=0.021) and dyspnoea (26.3% vs 11.5%, P=0.001) were more obvious in the oldest group than in the older group. The mean BMI was lower in the oldest group than in the older group (21.07±3.18 vs 22.36±2.89, P = 0.001). Age over 80 years (P=0.011) and organ failure (P<0.05) were independent risk factors for mortality. More severe AP (P=0.001), abdominal pain (P=0.033) and organ failure (P<0.05) were associated with the ICU admission rate. Age over 80 years (P=0.001), more severe AP (P=0.001), female sex (P=0.018), jaundice (P=0.038), operative treatment (P<0.05) and organ failure (P<0.05) were risk factors for increased LOS.

Conclusion

The oldest group had a higher death rate and longer LOS than the older group. More attention should be given to the clinical symptoms of this frail population. We propose that more comprehensive and goal-directed attendant diagnostic procedures should be performed to detect the disease early and to improve the outcomes of ageing patients.

Acute pancreatitis in oldest old: a 10-year retrospective analysis of patients referred to the emergency department of a large tertiary hospital

OBJECTIVE

Contrasting results are reported on the clinical course of acute pancreatitis (AP) in the geriatric population. The aim of this study is to compare the AP clinical outcomes between patients aged from 65 to 79 years and those over 80 years.

METHODS

A total of 115 patients over 80 years (oldest old) were compared to a group of 236 patients aged 65-79 years (elderly). Clinicodemographic, biochemical, and radiological data were reviewed. The primary outcome was to compare the overall mortality. Secondary outcomes included intensive care unit (ICU) admission, in-hospital length of stay (LOS), and need for surgical procedures.

RESULTS

Laboratory values at admission were similar between the two groups. Over 80 patients presented a lower rate of abdominal symptoms (68.7% vs. 81.4%; P = 0.008), a higher mortality (14.8% vs. 3.5%; P = 0.003), and ICU admission (13.9% vs. 3.8%; P = 0.001) rates. Median LOS was comparable between the two groups. Multivariate analysis identified age [odds ratio (OR): 3.56; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.502-8.46; P = 0.004], a higher Ranson score (OR: 3.22; 95% CI: 1.24-8.39; P = 0.016), and the absence of abdominal pain (OR: 2.94; 95% CI: 1.25-6.87; P = 0.013) as independent predictors of mortality. Conversely, only age (OR: 3.83; 95% CI: 1.55-9.44; P = 0.003) and a more severe AP (OR: 3.56; 95% CI: 1.95-6.89; P = 0.041) were recognized as influencing ICU admission. Only the operative treatment (OR: 2.805; 95% CI: 1.166-5.443; P = 0.037) was evidenced as independent risk factor for LOS (OR: 3.74; 95% CI: 1.031-6.16; P = 0.003).

CONCLUSION

Oldest old patients have a higher mortality and ICU admission rate as compared to the other subgroups of elderly. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment are key elements to improve outcomes in this frailer population.

Acute Biliary Pancreatitis is Associated With Adverse Outcomes in the Elderly: A Propensity Score-Matched Analysis

GOALS AND BACKGROUND

In the elderly (age, 65 y or older), acute pancreatitis is most frequently because of gallstones; however, there is a paucity of national estimates evaluating outcomes of acute biliary pancreatitis (ABP). Hence, we utilized a representative population database to evaluate the outcomes of ABP among the elderly.

STUDY

The National Readmission Database provides longitudinal follow-up of inpatients for 1 calendar-year. All adult inpatients (18 y or older) with an index primary admission for ABP between 2011 and 2014 were evaluated for clinical outcomes of mortality, severe acute pancreatitis (SAP), and 30-day readmission. Outcomes between age groups (≥65 vs. <65 y) were compared using multivariate and one-to-one propensity score-matched analyses.

RESULTS

Among 184,763 ABP admissions, 41% were elderly. Index mortality and SAP rates in the elderly were 1.96% and 21.5%, respectively. Elderly patients underwent more ERCPs (27.5% vs. 23.6%; P<0.001) and less frequent cholecystectomies (44.4% vs. 58.7%; P<0.001). Elderly patients had increased odds of mortality and SAP along with an age-dependent increase in the odds of adverse outcomes; patients aged 85 years or older demonstrated the highest odds of SAP [odds ratio (OR), 1.3; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.2, 1.4] and mortality (OR, 2.2; 95% CI: 1.7, 2.9) within in the elderly cohort. Propensity score-matched analysis substantiated that mortality (OR, 2.8; 95% CI: 2.2, 3.5) and SAP (OR, 1.2; 95% CI: 1.1, 1.3) were increased in the elderly.

CONCLUSIONS

Current national survey reveals adverse clinical outcomes among elderly patients hospitalized with ABP. Consequently, there is a need for effective management strategies for this demographic as the aging population is increasing nationally.

Acute pancreatitis in elderly patients: a single-center retrospective evaluation of clinical outcomes

Introduction: Acute pancreatitis (AP) incidence in the elderly population has increased in the last years. However, the role of age as influencing factor on the AP clinical course is still debated. Methods: We reviewed clinical records of consecutive patients admitted with diagnosis of AP. Patients were divided in elderly (≥65 years) and non-elderly  (<65 years). Primary endpoint was comparison of overall mortality. Secondary endpoint included ICU admission, in-hospital length of stay (LOS) and surgical procedures. Results: We enrolled 352 elderly and 532 non-elderly patients. A higher mortality rate (7.4% vs 1.9%; p < .001), ICU admission rate (18.9% vs 6.3%; p < .001) and prolonged length of hospital stay (9 (6-14) vs 7 (5-11.7) days; p = .01) were registered in the ≥65 years group. Multivariate analysis identified age (OR: 3.5; 95% CI:1.645-7.555; p = .001), a higher Ranson score at admission (OR: 5.52; 95% CI:1.11-27.41; p<.001) and necrotic pancreatitis (OR: 8.6; 95% CI:2.46-30.27; p = .001) as independent predictors of mortality. Conversely age and necrotic pancreatitis were independent risk factors for higher LOS and ICU admission. Conclusions: Patients with AP and age ≥65 years have a higher mortality, ICU admission and prolonged LOS. Early recognition and prompt treatment are key elements to improve outcomes in this population.

Acute pancreatitis in the elderly: a cause for increased concern?

BACKGROUND

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is an aggressive and potentially fatal clinical condition. Although all age groups are at risk, the elderly may be a group of special concern. We aimed at evaluating clinical outcomes of patients with elderly-onset AP.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Using a single-center retrospective database, treatment and follow-up records of 550 patients admitted with AP were reviewed. Outcomes included mortality, admission to the ICU, need for interventional procedures, nutritional support, and length of hospital and ICU stay. Elderly-onset AP was defined as an episode of AP occurring in patients older than 65 years.

RESULTS

A total of 263 patients were classified as having elderly-onset AP. There was an association between older age and higher Ranson and the bedside index of severity in AP scores, translating into longer lengths of hospital stay, higher requirements for ICU admission, interventional procedures, organ failure, persistent organ failure, and overall mortality. In multivariate analysis, age was an independent predictor of mortality in AP.

CONCLUSIONS

Age was strongly associated with a more severe course of AP. Early recognition and prompt action are essential to improve outcomes in this population.

Acute pancreatitis in elderly patients: A retrospective evaluation at hospital admission

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Acute pancreatitis (AP) in elderly may have an aggressive course due to co-morbidity high rate and severe presentation. We retrospectively evaluated AP severity and its underlying factors in a group of elderly patients compared with an adult population sample.

METHODS

Forty-two elderly patients (65-102years) and 48 controls (19-64years) admitted at our Unit for biliary or alcoholic AP were retrospectively enrolled. AP severity was evaluated by the Atlanta classification and Ransom score. Laboratory investigations and demographic data were collected. Comparison between the two groups was performed by t-test, ANOVA or Fisher's exact test. A multinomial logistic regression was used to determine factors affecting AP severity.

RESULTS

Elderly patients showed more severe Atlanta (1.81±0.75 vs 1.29±0.46; p=0.007) and higher Ransom (2.52±1.57 vs 0.75±0.73; p<0.0001) scores. No death was observed. Elderly patients consumed more drugs than controls, had higher rates of cardiovascular, pulmonary and renal co-morbidity, showed higher creatinine (1.09±0.41 vs 0.81±0.18; p=0.004) and lower calcium levels (8.43±0.48 vs 8.88±0.44; p=0.002). We observed only one case of fluid necrosis in an old patient. Non-necrotic fluid collections were more common in the elderly (40.5% vs 12.5%; p=0.003). At multivariate analysis, AP severity was influenced by white blood cell-count (WBC: OR=1.94; p=0.048), aspartate-transaminase-levels (AST: OR=1.97; p=0.02), serum lactate-dehydrogenase (LDH: OR=1.07; p=0.047) and Ransom score (OR=70.4; p=0.036) in elderly, while only Ransom score correlated in controls (OR=66.04; p<0.001). The etiology (biliary/alcoholic) did not influence the severity.

CONCLUSIONS

Elderly patients usually undergo a severe AP course, but without increase of mortality. High WBC, LDH, AST and Ransom score at the onset may predict AP severity.