Alcoholic pancreatitis in pregnancy

Maternal and fetal outcomes of acute pancreatitis in pregnancy: a population-based study

BACKGROUND

Acute pancreatitis during pregnancy can have negative effects on both the mother and the fetus. The primary aim of this study is to evaluate the trends, maternal and fetal outcomes, and associated comorbidities of acute pancreatitis during pregnancy using data from the USA National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database.

METHODS

This study is a retrospective analysis of hospital discharge records from the NIS database from 2009 to 2019.

RESULTS

Delivery patients with acute pancreatitis faced a higher risk of maternal mortality (AOR 91.02, 95% CI 28.47-291.06), postpartum hemorrhage (AOR 1.59, 95% CI 1.02-2.49), and hypertensive complications (defined as preeclampsia, eclampsia, or HELLP syndrome) (AOR 3.42, 95% CI 2.56-4.56) compared to those without acute pancreatitis. Moreover, we saw an increased incidence of preterm labor (AOR 3.94, 95% CI 3.02-5.12) and fetal death (AOR 3.12, 95% CI 1.76-5.53). Rates of fetal restriction and large fetal size were comparable. Additionally, the acute pancreatitis group showed higher rates of acute kidney injury (4.2% vs. 0.06%; AOR, 31.02, 95% CI 12.50-76.98), severe sepsis (0.8% vs. 0.01%; AOR, 34.49, 95% CI 7.67-155.14), and respiratory failure (2.4% vs. 0.06%; AOR, 20.77, 95% CI (8.55-50.41). There were no significant differences in maternal and perinatal outcomes in biliary pancreatitis after the intervention compared to conservative treatment.

CONCLUSION

Acute pancreatitis during pregnancy can have negative effects on both the mother and fetus. Treatment for biliary pancreatitis does not affect maternal and fetal outcomes. An interdisciplinary approach is essential to ensure optimal outcomes for mothers and their offspring in these cases.

Pancreatitis in Pregnancy-Comprehensive Review

Acute and chronic pancreatitis, until recently observed incidentally in pregnancy, has occurred much more frequently in the last 2-3 decades. Particularly severe complications for the mother and fetus may be a consequence of acute pancreatitis. Therefore, it is important to know more about the diagnostic and therapeutic possibilities of pancreatic diseases in the course of pregnancy. Epidemiology, causes, clinical characteristics, differential diagnosis, and complex management are presented in this review. Particular emphasis is on the prevention of acute pancreatitis (AP) through the proper diagnosis and treatment of cholelithiasis and hypertriglyceridemia, both before and during pregnancy. The most up-to-date reports and management strategies are presented. This publication contributes to a wide group of scientists and practitioners better understanding the discussed issues, and indicates the directions of research for the future.

Alcoholic Pancreatitis Masquerading as Preeclampsia

BACKGROUND

Coexisting medical complications in pregnancy can present in a fashion similar to preeclampsia and can be challenging to differentiate.

CASE

We present a patient who, at 27 3/7 weeks of gestation, fulfilled diagnostic criteria for severe preeclampsia, including hypertension, proteinuria, headache, abnormal serum creatinine levels, thrombocytopenia, and liver function abnormalities, but who nevertheless did not have preeclampsia. Instead, she was diagnosed with alcoholic pancreatitis based on a history of heavy alcohol use and elevated amylase and lipase. Abnormal laboratory values resolved with supportive therapy, and she continued to term without subsequent recurrence of proteinuria or hypertension.

CONCLUSION

Alcoholic pancreatitis can be mistaken for preeclampsia.

Acute pancreatitis in pregnancy: an overview

Acute pancreatitis is rare in pregnancy but it is associated with increased incidence of maternal and fetal mortality. It should be considered in the differential diagnosis of upper quadrant abdominal pain with or without nausea and vomiting. The commonest identified causes of acute pancreatitis in pregnancy are gallstones, alcohol and hypertriglyceridemia. The main laboratory finding is increased amylase activity. Appropriate investigations include ultrasound of the right upper quadrant and measurement of serum triglycerides and ionized calcium. Management of gallstone pancreatitis is controversial, although laparoscopic cholecystectomy and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) are often used and may be associated with lower complication rates. In hypertriglyceridemia-induced acute pancreatitis ω-3 fatty acids and even therapeutic plasma exchange can be used. We also discuss preventive measures.

Acute pancreatitis in pregnancy: An unresolved issue

Management of acute pancreatitis in pregnancy is based on expert opinion only, due to geographic and ethic variations. Nonbiliary causes should be sought as they are associated with worse outcomes. Alcohol as a cause of acute pancreatitis is not rare. Hemoconcentration as a marker of fluid deficit and severity should be predicted with caution and fluid resuscitation should be done carefully by closely monitoring the central venous pressure, cardiac and respiratory system. Hypercalcemia of hyperparathyroidism may be falsely lowered due to hypoalbuminemia or suppressed by magnesium tocolysis.

Pancreatitis in pregnancy

OBJECTIVE

To estimate the incidence, cause, and complications of pancreatitis in pregnancy and to identify factors associated with adverse outcomes.

METHODS

This study was a chart review of all pregnant patients diagnosed with pancreatitis from 1992-2001 at 15 participating hospitals. Information was collected on presentation, management, and outcome, along with the number of deliveries at each hospital.

RESULTS

During the 10 years of the study, 101 cases of pancreatitis occurred among 305,101 deliveries, yielding an incidence of one in 3,021 (.03%). There were no maternal deaths; perinatal mortality was 3.6%. Eighty-nine women had acute pancreatitis, and 12 women had chronic pancreatitis. The majority (66%) of cases of acute pancreatitis were biliary in origin, and they were associated with better outcomes than nonbiliary causes. Cases of gallstone pancreatitis that received surgical or endoscopic intervention during pregnancy had lower rates of preterm delivery and recurrence than those that were conservatively managed, but this difference was not significant (P=.2). Alcohol was responsible for 12.3% of acute pancreatitis cases and 58% of chronic pancreatitis cases and was associated with increased rates of recurrence and preterm delivery. A calcium level, triglycerides, or both was not obtained in half of cases identified as idiopathic.

CONCLUSION

Pancreatitis is a rare event in pregnancy, occurring in approximately 3 in 10,000 pregnancies. Although it is most often acute and related to gallstones, nonbiliary causes should be sought because they are associated with worse outcomes.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

III.