Smoking as a risk factor for complications in chronic pancreatitis

Prevalence and risk factors of fatigue and its association with quality of life among patients with chronic pancreatitis: A cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Fatigue is a debilitating symptom found in various chronic diseases and is associated with more severe symptoms and worse quality of life (QoL). However, this symptom has not been adequately addressed in chronic pancreatitis (CP), and there have been no studies on fatigue in patients with CP.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study was conducted at the Changhai Hospital in Shanghai, China. Data on the patients' sociodemographic, disease, and therapeutic characteristics were collected. Fatigue was assessed using the Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory-20. QoL was assessed utilizing the European Organization for the Research and Treatment of Cancer of QoL questionnaire (EORTC-QLQ-C30). Sleep quality, anxiety and depression, and pain was assessed using Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and the Brief Pain Inventory, respectively.

RESULTS

The prevalence of fatigue among Chinese patients with CP was 35.51 % (87/245). Multivariate analysis showed that steatorrhea (OR = 2.638, 95 % CI: 1.117-6.234), history of smoking (OR = 4.627, 95 % CI: 1.202-17.802), history of endoscopic treatment (OR = 0.419, 95 % CI: 0.185-0.950), depression (OR = 5.924, 95 % CI: 2.462-14.255), and sleep disorder (OR = 6.184, 95 % CI: 2.543-15.034) were influencing factors for the presence of fatigue. The scores for global health and all functional dimensions in the EORTC-QLQ-C30 significantly decreased, whereas the scores for all symptom dimensions significantly increased in patients with fatigue.

CONCLUSIONS

This study indicated that Fatigue is a common symptom and has a negative impact on the QoL of patients with CP. Steatorrhea, smoking history, endoscopic treatment, depression, and sleep disorders were associated with fatigue.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of the accuracy and methodology of the 13C mixed triglyceride breath test for the evaluation of pancreatic function

INTRODUCTION

The diagnosis of pancreatic exocrine insufficiency (PEI) is challenging. The ¹³C mixed triglyceride breath test (¹³C MTGT) has emerged as a promising diagnostic method. However, there is need to assimilate high quality evidence to understand its accuracy and address variation in the conduct of the test. This systematic review aims to appraise the existing literature on the methodology and accuracy of the ¹³C MTGT.

METHODS

A systematic literature search of PUBMED, MEDLINE, and EMBASE databases identified articles describing the use of the ¹³C MTGT in the analysis of pancreatic function in adults. Data extraction addressed each methodological step in detail. These were combined in a narrative synthesis. For quantitative analysis, those studies within this search that assessed the accuracy of the ¹³C MTGT were selected.

RESULTS

37 studies were included for qualitative review, 6 assessed sensitivity and specificity of the ¹³C MTGT against another measure of PEI and were included in quantitative synthesis. Areas with a majority consensus were pre-test overnight fasting, a test meal with a lipid load of at least 10 g, within-test control of exercise and dietary intake, breath sampling every 30 min and the preference of isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS) for analysis. Good evidence suggests there is no benefit to extend the total timeframe of breath sampling beyond 6 h. Areas of uncertainty are a) Duration of PERT cessation b) the addition of metoclopramide, c) the ideal test meal and d) if the time frame can be shortened. Quantitative analysis among 6 studies demonstrated a pooled sensitivity and specificity of the ¹³C MTGT for diagnosing PEI of 0.84 (95% CI: 0.73-0.91) and 0.87 (95% CI: 0.79-0.93) respectively.

CONCLUSION

There is yet to emerge a clear standard of breath test methodology that is validated for all causes of PEI and suitable for routine use. The accuracy of the ¹³C MTGT for diagnosing PEI is encouraging when compared to other measures. We present a suggested set protocol based on the current literature and identify areas that need further, high quality evidence. With refinement, the ¹³C MTGT could become a valuable, non-invasive PEI diagnostic tool that could be used outside of specialist centres.

Development of a Clinical Prediction Model for Diabetes in Chronic Pancreatitis: The PREDICT3c Study

OBJECTIVE

Diabetes that arises from chronic pancreatitis (CP) is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Methods to predict which patients with CP are at greatest risk for diabetes are urgently needed. We aimed to examine independent risk factors for diabetes in a large cohort of patients with CP.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

This cross-sectional study comprised 645 individuals with CP enrolled in the PROCEED study, of whom 276 had diabetes. We conducted univariable and multivariable regression analyses of potential risk factors for diabetes. Model performance was assessed by area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) analysis, and accuracy was evaluated by cross validation. Exploratory analyses were stratified according to the timing of development of diabetes relative to the diagnosis of pancreatitis.

RESULTS

Independent correlates of diabetes in CP included risk factors for type 2 diabetes (older age, overweight/obese status, male sex, non-White race, tobacco use) as well as pancreatic disease-related factors (history of acute pancreatitis complications, nonalcoholic etiology of CP, exocrine pancreatic dysfunction, pancreatic calcification, pancreatic atrophy) (AUROC 0.745). Type 2 diabetes risk factors were predominant for diabetes occurring before pancreatitis, and pancreatic disease-related factors were predominant for diabetes occurring after pancreatitis.

CONCLUSIONS

Multiple factors are associated with diabetes in CP, including canonical risk factors for type 2 diabetes and features associated with pancreatitis severity. This study lays the groundwork for the future development of models integrating clinical and nonclinical data to identify patients with CP at risk for diabetes and identifies modifiable risk factors (obesity, smoking) on which to focus for diabetes prevention.

Clinical characteristics of smoking-related chronic pancreatitis

Objective

The pathogenesis of chronic pancreatitis (CP) is not completely clear. With further studies, smoking is toxic to the pancreas. This study classified smoking-related CP as a new etiology of CP and defined the cutoff of smoking.

Design

Patients with CP admitted from January 2000 to December 2013 were included in the study. The characteristics were compared between smoking patients, drinking patients, and a group of patients who never smoke or drink (control group). The cumulative rates of steatorrhea, diabetes mellitus (DM), pancreatic pseudocyst (PPC), pancreatic stone, and biliary stricture after the onset of CP were calculated, respectively.

Results

A total of 1,324 patients were included. Among them, 55 were smoking patients, 80 were drinking patients, and 1,189 were controls. The characteristics of smokers are different from the other two groups, especially in age at the onset and diagnosis of CP, initial manifestation, and type of pain. The development of DM (P = 0.011) and PPC (P = 0.033) was significantly more common and earlier in the smokers than in the other two groups. Steatorrhea also developed significantly more in the smokers than in the controls (P = 0.029). Smokers tend to delay the formation of pancreatic stones and steatorrhea.

Conclusion

The clinical characteristics of smoking-related CP is different from CP of other etiologies. A new type of CP, smoking-related CP, was put forward. Smoking-related CP should be separated from idiopathic CP and defined as a new independent subtype of CP different from alcoholic CP or idiopathic CP.

Exocrine pancreas insufficiency in chronic pancreatitis - Risk factors and associations with complications. A multicentre study of 1869 patients

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

There is scarce information about risk factors for exocrine pancreas insufficiency (EPI) in chronic pancreatitis (CP), and how it associates with other complications. The aim of the present study was to examine risk factors for EPI and associations to procedures and other CP related complications in a large, Northern European cohort.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We retrieved cross-sectional data on demographics, status on EPI, aetiological risk factors for CP, CP related complications as well as surgical and endoscopic treatment from the Scandinavian Baltic Pancreatic Club Database. Associations were assessed by univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. Results are presented as odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals.

RESULTS

We included 1869 patients with probable or definitive CP in the study. Exocrine pancreas insufficiency was present in 849 (45.4%) of patients. In multivariate analyses, EPI associated with smoking aetiology (OR 1.47 (1.20-1.79), p < 0.001), and nutritional/metabolic aetiology (OR 0.52 (0.31-0.87), p = 0.01) to CP. Pancreatic or common bile duct stenting procedure and pancreatic resection were both associated with EPI (ORs 1.44 (1.15-1.80), p = 0.002 and 1.54 (1.02-2.33), p = 0.04, respectively). The presence of diabetes mellitus (OR 2.45 (1.92-3.15), p < 0.001), bile duct stenosis (OR 1.48 (1.09-2.00), p = 0.02) and underweight (2.05 (OR 1.40-3.02), p < 0.001) were all associated with presence of EPI.

CONCLUSIONS

Smoking, bile duct stenosis, previous stenting and resection procedures are all associated with EPI in patients with CP. Presence of EPI were also associated with malnutrition and diabetes mellitus. Hence, intensive nutritional surveillance is needed in these patients.

Evidence-based clinical practice guidelines for chronic pancreatitis 2021

BACKGROUND

Chronic pancreatitis (CP) is defined according to the recently proposed mechanistic definition as a pathological fibro-inflammatory syndrome of the pancreas in individuals with genetic, environmental, and/or other risk factors who develop persistent pathological responses to parenchymal injury or stress.

METHODS

The clinical practice guidelines for CP in Japan were revised in 2021 based on the 2019 Japanese clinical diagnostic criteria for CP, which incorporate the concept of a pathogenic fibro-inflammatory syndrome in the pancreas. In this third edition, clinical questions are reclassified into clinical questions, background questions, and future research questions.

RESULTS

Based on analysis of newly accumulated evidence, the strength of evidence and recommendations for each clinical question is described in terms of treatment selection, lifestyle guidance, pain control, treatment of exocrine and endocrine insufficiency, and treatment of complications. A flowchart outlining indications, treatment selection, and policies for cases in which treatment is ineffective is provided. For pain control, pharmacological treatment and the indications and timing for endoscopic and surgical treatment have been updated in the revised edition.

CONCLUSIONS

These updated guidelines provide clinicians with useful information to assist in the diagnosis and treatment of CP.

ALCOHOLIC VS. NON-ALCOHOLIC CHRONIC PANCREATITIS: SURGEONS' PERSPECTIVE FROM A TERTIARY CENTRE IN INDIA

Background:

Although alcohol is the most common cause for chronic pancreatitis worldwide, idiopathic type is prevalent in India. Natural history and disease progression are different between these two groups. There is paucity of data comparing surgical outcome and quality of life in these patients.

Aim:

To evaluate clinical features, surgical outcome and quality of life between these two groups of patients.

Method:

All patients with chronic pancreatitis who underwent surgery were prospectively reviewed.

Results:

From 98 patients, 42 were alcoholic. Number of male and the mean age at the time of operation was significantly more in alcoholic patients. Smoking, preoperative hospital admission rate and the prevalence of local complications like inflammatory pancreatic head mass, biliary stricture and left sided portal hypertension were distinctly more common in alcoholic group. Frey procedure was required more commonly in alcoholic group. Mean postoperative hospital stay and overall postoperative complication rate were comparable between the two groups. Over a median follow up of 18 months there was significant improvement in quality of life and pain score in both the groups. Improvement of physical functioning score at follow-up was significantly more in alcoholic group but the requirement for analgesic medications were significantly more in alcoholic group. However, appetite loss was more perceived by non-alcoholic group.

Conclusion:

Alcoholic chronic pancreatitis presents with more local complications associated with chronic pancreatitis. Frey procedure is a safe and well accepted surgery in this group. Though they required more analgesic requirement in short term follow up, other aspects of quality of life are similar to non-alcoholic group.

Swedish national guidelines for chronic pancreatitis

Chronic pancreatitis (CP) should be suspected in the case of recurrent upper abdominal pain of unknown origin and/or clinical signs of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI). Alcohol is the most common etiological factor associated with CP, others being smoking, male gender, and hereditary forms. CP is often associated with recurrent episodes of acute exacerbations.As of today, there is no accepted clinical definition of CP. However, irreversible morphological changes within the pancreas often occur, including dilatation of the main and branch pancreatic ducts, calcifications in ducts and parenchyma, parenchymal atrophy, and development of pseudocysts, though less so in the early phase of CP.

Patient reported exposure to smoking and alcohol abuse are associated with pain and other complications in patients with chronic pancreatitis

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Smoking and alcohol abuse are established risk factors for chronic pancreatitis (CP). Few studies have examined how exposure to smoking and alcohol abuse act as risk factors for complications in CP. Our aim was to examine associations between patient reported exposure to smoking and alcohol abuse and complications in CP in a large cohort of patients from the Scandinavian and Baltic countries.

METHODS

We retrieved data on demographics, CP related complications and patients' histories of exposure to smoking and alcohol abuse from the Scandinavian Baltic Pancreatic Club database. Associations were investigated by univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. Results are presented as odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals.

RESULTS

A complete history of smoking and alcohol exposure was available for 932 patients. In multivariate regression analyses, the presence of pain and exocrine pancreatic insufficiency were both significantly associated with history of smoking (OR 1.94 (1.40-2.68), p < 0.001 and OR 1.89 (1.36-2.62), p < 0.001, respectively) and alcohol abuse (OR 1.66 (1.21-2.26), p = 0.001 and 1.55 (1.14-2.11), p = 0.005, respectively). Smoking was associated with calcifications (OR 2.89 (2.09-3.96), p < 0.001), moderate to severe ductal changes (OR 1.42 (1.05-1.92), p = 0.02), and underweight (OR 4.73 (2.23-10.02), p < 0.001). History of alcohol abuse was associated with pseudocysts (OR 1.38 (1.00-1.90) p = 0.05) and diabetes mellitus (OR 1.44 (1.03-2.01), p = 0.03). There were significantly increased odds-ratios for several complications with increasing exposure to smoking and alcohol abuse.

CONCLUSION

Smoking and alcohol abuse are both independently associated with development of complications in patients with CP. There seems to be a dose-dependent relationship between smoking and alcohol abuse and complications in CP.

International Consensus Guidelines for Risk Factors in Chronic Pancreatitis. Recommendations from the working group for the international consensus guidelines for chronic pancreatitis in collaboration with the International Association of Pancreatology, the American Pancreatic Association, the Japan Pancreas Society, and European Pancreatic Club

BACKGROUND

Chronic pancreatitis (CP) is a complex inflammatory disease with remarkably impaired quality of life and permanent damage of the pancreas. This paper is part of the international consensus guidelines on CP and presents the consensus on factors elevating the risk for CP.

METHODS

An international working group with 20 experts on CP from the major pancreas societies (IAP, APA, JPS, and EPC) evaluated 14 statements generated from evidence on four questions deemed to be the most clinically relevant in CP. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach was used to evaluate the level of evidence available per statement. To determine the level of agreement, the working group voted on the 14 statements for strength of agreement, using a nine-point Likert scale in order to calculate Cronbach's alpha reliability coefficient.

RESULTS

Strong consensus and agreement were obtained for the following statements: Alcohol, smoking, and certain genetic alterations are risk factors for CP. Past history, family history, onset of symptoms, and life-style factors including alcohol intake and smoking history should be determined. Alcohol consumption dose-dependently elevates the risk of CP up to 4-fold. Ever smokers, even smoking less than a pack of cigarettes per day, have an increased risk for CP, as compared to never smokers.

CONCLUSIONS

Both genetic and environmental factors can markedly elevate the risk for CP. Therefore, health-promoting lifestyle education and in certain cases genetic counselling should be employed to reduce the incidence of CP.

A population-based study of chronic pancreatitis in Finland: Effects on quality of life

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

In Finland the incidence of chronic pancreatitis (CP) is high compared to that in most European countries. Recent epidemiological data is lacking. Our aim was to investigate the current epidemiologic and behavioural data on CP patients in Finland.

METHODS

CP patients according to M-ANNHEIM criteria in Tampere University Hospital (TAUH) during 2014-2015 were included. Aetiology, time from diagnosis, pancreatic function, treatment, complications, smoking, alcohol consumption (AUDIT) and quality of life (QoL) (QLQ C30, PAN26) were gathered.

RESULTS

235 CP patients (57 (26-88) years, 65% men) were included. Time since diagnosis was 5.5 (1-41) years. Aetiology was alcohol in 67%, and smoking contributed in 54%. Of these patients 78% continued smoking and 58% continued to consume alcohol even after CP diagnosis. CP related complications were common. Pseudocysts were more common in alcohol related CP than in non-alcohol related CP (60% vs. 38%, p < 0.05). Reported QoL and pain were worse in the CP patients than in controls. Alcohol consumption differed from that of the Finnish population; the CP patients were either total abstainers or heavy alcohol consumers.

CONCLUSIONS

CP constitutes a great burden on the health care system and on the patients. The patients frequently develop complications and symptoms and their QoL is inferior to that of controls. The most important measure to halt the progression of CP would be to prevent acute phases and for patients to stop smoking, which does not happen in many CP patients. It would be beneficial to increase awareness among CP patients and medical professionals.

Update on the diagnosis and management of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency

Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) is characterized by inadequate pancreatic enzyme delivery to the small intestine Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) is characterized by inadequate pancreatic enzyme delivery to the small intestine, resulting in malabsorption. Clinical manifestations of EPI are often nonspecific and can lead to lack of timely recognition and diagnosis. Central to this clinical dilemma is the lack of highly accurate or specific testing which leads to misdiagnosis and suboptimal treatment. Identification of high-risk patients is key in the diagnosis of EPI and this includes patients with pancreatic parenchyma disorders such as chronic pancreatitis, pancreatic malignancy, cystic fibrosis, and those undergoing pancreatic resection for benign and malignant disease. Less recognized are the number of additional conditions which may also have EPI as a consequence. Owing to an increase in morbidity and impaired quality of life associated with this condition, goals of treatment have been aimed at repleting exocrine enzyme deficiency by oral pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT). The basis of PERT is to provide activated digestive enzymes to the small bowel during the prandial period, mainly, leading to sufficient absorption of fat and fat-soluble vitamins. The benefits of PERT have been shown to go beyond the improvement in signs and symptoms associated with EPI and include decreasing prevalence of osteopathy and improving survival outcomes in subsets of patients with this condition. However, despite the overall benefits in treatment, the diagnosis and management of EPI are suboptimal. Current literature suggests patients at high risk of developing EPI are not tested and those who are diagnosed are not treated with adequate dosages. In this review, we highlight patients who are at high risk for the development of EPI, analyze consequences and treatment of this disorder, review rationale for enzyme replacement therapy, and examine current evidence for treatment optimization.

Incidence, Admission Rates, and Economic Burden of Adult Emergency Visits for Chronic Pancreatitis: Data From the National Emergency Department Sample, 2006 to 2012

INTRODUCTION

Chronic pancreatitis (CP) is a common reason for emergency department (ED) visits, but little research has examined ED use by patients with CP.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The Nationwide Emergency Department Sample (2006 to 2012) was interrogated to evaluate trends in adult ED visits for a primary diagnosis of CP (International Classification of Disease, 9th revision, Clinical Modification code: 577.1), the rates of subsequent hospital admission, and total charges. A survey logistic regression model was used to determine factors associated with hospitalization from the ED.

RESULTS

We identified 253,753 ED visits with a primary diagnosis of CP. No significant trends in annual incidence were noted. However, the ED-to-hospitalization rates decreased by 3% per year (P<0.001) and mean ED charges after adjusting for inflation increased by 11.8% per year (P<0.001). Higher Charlson comorbidity index, current smoker status, alcohol use, and biliary-related CP were associated with hospitalization. In hospitalized patients, length of stay decreased by 2.2% per year (P=0.003) and inpatient charges increased by 2.9% per year (P=0.004).

CONCLUSIONS

Patient characteristics associated with higher risk of hospitalization from the ED deserve further attention.

Chronic Pancreatitis: Pediatric and Adult Cohorts Show Similarities in Disease Progress Despite Different Risk Factors

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the present study was to investigate the natural history of chronic pancreatitis (CP); patients in the North American Pancreatitis Study2 (NAPS2, adults) and INternational Study group of Pediatric Pancreatitis: In search for a cuRE (INSPPIRE, pediatric) were compared.

METHODS

Demographics, risk factors, disease duration, management and outcomes of 224 children and 1063 adults were compared using appropriate statistical tests for categorical and continuous variables.

RESULTS

Alcohol was a risk in 53% of adults and 1% of children (P < 0.0001); tobacco in 50% of adults and 7% of children (P < 0.0001). Obstructive factors were more common in children (29% vs 19% in adults, P = 0.001). Genetic risk factors were found more often in children. Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency was similar (children 26% vs adult 33%, P = 0.107). Diabetes was more common in adults than children (36% vs 4% respectively, P < 0.0001). Median emergency room visits, hospitalizations, and missed days of work/school were similar across the cohorts. As a secondary analysis, NAPS2 subjects with childhood onset (NAPS2-CO) were compared with INSPPIRE subjects. These 2 cohorts were more similar than the total INSPPIRE and NAPS2 cohorts, including for genetic risk factors. The only risk factor significantly more common in the NAPS2-CO cohort compared with the INSPPIRE cohort was alcohol (9% NAPS2-CO vs 1% INSPPIRE cohorts, P = 0.011).

CONCLUSIONS

Despite disparity in age of onset, children and adults with CP exhibit similarity in demographics, CP treatment, and pain. Differences between groups in radiographic findings and diabetes prevalence may be related to differences in risk factors associated with disease and length of time of CP.

Pathophysiological Events Associated With Pancreatitis in Response to Tobacco: An In Vitro Comparative Study With Ethanol in Primary Acinar Cell Culture

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to comparatively analyze the effects of different concentrations of cigarette smoke condensate (CSC, a standardized tobacco extract) and ethanol on intracellular enzyme activation, cell necrosis, alteration of cytosolic calcium concentration ([Ca]c), and amylase secretion in pancreatic acinar cells.

METHODS

The effects of CSC (1 μg/mL to 0.4 mg/mL) and ethanol (10-100 mM) on intracellular enzyme activity, cell necrosis, and [Ca]c were measured by fluorescence assays in isolated pancreatic acinar cells. Amylase secretion was evaluated by spectrophotometry. Supramaximal concentrations of cholecystokinin (10-100 nM) were used as positive control.

RESULTS

Neither CSC nor ethanol induced trypsin or elastase activation. Both CSC (0.1-0.4 mg/mL) and ethanol (10-75 mM) significantly increased [Ca]c. Amylase secretion was increased only in CSC-treated cells (0.3 and 0.4 mg/mL). After 60 minutes, CSC (0.3 and 0.4 mg/mL) significantly increased acinar cell necrosis at a similar percentage to that induced by cholecystokinin. Ethanol did not induce any significant cell necrosis.

CONCLUSIONS

Cigarette smoke condensate induces acinar cell injury and increases [Ca]c and amylase secretion, independently of intracellular enzyme activation, suggesting that tobacco could induce several main early events of pancreatitis in pancreatic acinar cells. However, ethanol only induces increases [Ca]c, having no effect on cell injury, amylase secretion, or intracellular enzyme activation.

Diagnosis and Management of Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Recent studies have documented that many patients with pancreatic exocrine insufficiency (EPI) are not identified and are not treated with appropriate dosages of pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy. This review will summarize the approach to diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring for treatment effect and complications in patients with exocrine insufficiency.

RECENT FINDINGS

While chronic pancreatitis is the most commonly identified cause of EPI, pancreatic cancer and pancreatic surgery are increasingly important. The diagnosis of EPI remains challenging, but fecal elastase is the most clinically useful test. Treatment requires an understanding of the appropriate dosage and timing of enzyme replacement, but recent studies show that clinicians often do not have this understanding. Monitoring and prevention of complications of EPI is increasingly important, particularly osteopenia and osteoporosis. In those that fail to respond, coexistent small intestinal bacterial overgrowth should be considered. Many clinicians do not consider EPI in the differential diagnosis, and patients with EPI are routinely undertreated in the USA. Appropriate identification of those at risk and use of appropriate enzyme therapy, along with monitoring for metabolic complications of EPI, are essential to provide effective care for these patients.

Quality of life comparison between smokers and non-smokers with chronic pancreatitis

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of smoking on quality of life in patients with chronic pancreatitis.

METHODS

This is a cross-sectional study of chronic pancreatitis patients followed at a single institution comparing smokers with non-smokers. The primary outcome was quality of life and secondary outcomes included demographics, drug and alcohol use, anxiety and depression, pain level, nutritional status, and metabolic factors.

RESULTS

48 smokers and 45 non-smokers participated in this study. Smokers had a worse overall quality of life and higher rates of opioid addiction and depression than non-smokers. Smokers also had less racial diversity, lower education levels, and higher amounts of narcotic use than non-smokers. Furthermore, smokers had a lower BMI and a higher proportional use of pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy. Smoking was found to be independently associated with worse quality of life on multivariable regression.

CONCLUSIONS

The worse overall quality of life and higher rates of depression and anxiety create cause for concern in chronic pancreatitis patients who smoke. Smoking cessation should be an important target in chronic pancreatitis patients. Multicenter, multiethnic studies are needed to further elucidate this relationship.

Usefulness of percutaneous elastography by acoustic radiation force impulse for the non-invasive diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis

OBJECTIVE

To determine the accuracy of the acoustic radiation force impulse (ARFI) technique for the diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We present an observational, single-center study that included patients with suspected chronic pancreatitis in the period between October 2012 and September 2015 who underwent endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) and were classified according to the standard and Rosemont criteria. The same group of patients was assessed by the ARFI technology using ACUSON S2000™ equipment with Virtual Touch™ Quantification software for the assessment of pancreatic stiffness by obtaining the shear wave velocity (SWV) in the head, body and tail of the pancreas. Data were analyzed using ANOVA and nonparametric correlation methods. Diagnostic accuracy was obtained by analyzing receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve.

RESULTS

A total of thirty-three patients were studied (45.5% women); mean age was 58.3 ± 11.8 years. Seventeen with a diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis and sixteen classified as normal according to standard criteria. A significant difference was detected between the means of SWV in pancreatic body of patients without (SWV: 1.27 m/s) and with chronic pancreatitis (SWV 1.57 m/s), p = 0.037. The area under the ROC curve was 71.3% (95% CI 0.532-0.895) and the accuracy of ARFI for diagnosing chronic pancreatitis was 69.7% for a SWV of 1.4 m/s in the pancreatic body. The SWV means in head (r = 0.421, p < 0.05) and body (r = 0.455, p < 0.05) of the pancreas showed a significant correlation with the number of EUS criteria for chronic pancreatitis.

CONCLUSION

Quantification of pancreatic stiffness with ARFI elastography technique has proven to be useful for the non-invasive diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis.

Total pancreatectomy for recurrent acute and chronic pancreatitis: a critical review of patient selection criteria

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Critical review of the indications for total pancreatectomy and highlight limitations in current diagnostic criteria for chronic pancreatitis.

RECENT FINDINGS

The diagnosis of noncalcific chronic pancreatitis remains controversial because of an overreliance on nonspecific imaging and laboratories findings. Endoscopic ultrasound, s-magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography, and/or endoscopic pancreatic function testing are often used to diagnose noncalcific chronic pancreatitis despite the fact that there is no gold standard for this condition. Abdominal pain is not specific for chronic pancreatitis and is more likely to be encountered in patients with functional gastrointestinal disorders based on the high incidence of these conditions. The duration of pain and opioid analgesic use results in central sensitization that adversely affects pain outcomes after total pancreatectomy. An alcoholic cause is associated with poorer pain outcomes after total pancreatectomy.

SUMMARY

The lack of a gold standard for noncalcific chronic pancreatitis limits the diagnostic accuracy of imaging and laboratory tests. The pain of chronic pancreatitis is nonspecific and is affected by duration, preoperative opioid use, and cause. These factors will need to be considered in the development of future selection criteria for this morbid surgery.

Quality of Life in Chronic Pancreatitis is Determined by Constant Pain, Disability/Unemployment, Current Smoking, and Associated Co-Morbidities

OBJECTIVES

Chronic pancreatitis (CP) has a profound independent effect on quality of life (QOL). Our aim was to identify factors that impact the QOL in CP patients.

METHODS

We used data on 1,024 CP patients enrolled in the three NAPS2 studies. Information on demographics, risk factors, co-morbidities, disease phenotype, and treatments was obtained from responses to structured questionnaires. Physical and mental component summary (PCS and MCS, respectively) scores generated using responses to the Short Form-12 (SF-12) survey were used to assess QOL at enrollment. Multivariable linear regression models determined independent predictors of QOL.

RESULTS

Mean PCS and MCS scores were 36.7±11.7 and 42.4±12.2, respectively. Significant (P<0.05) negative impact on PCS scores in multivariable analyses was noted owing to constant mild-moderate pain with episodes of severe pain or constant severe pain (10 points), constant mild-moderate pain (5.2), pain-related disability/unemployment (5.1), current smoking (2.9 points), and medical co-morbidities. Significant (P<0.05) negative impact on MCS scores was related to constant pain irrespective of severity (6.8-6.9 points), current smoking (3.9 points), and pain-related disability/unemployment (2.4 points). In women, disability/unemployment resulted in an additional 3.7 point reduction in MCS score. Final multivariable models explained 27% and 18% of the variance in PCS and MCS scores, respectively. Etiology, disease duration, pancreatic morphology, diabetes, exocrine insufficiency, and prior endotherapy/pancreatic surgery had no significant independent effect on QOL.

CONCLUSIONS

Constant pain, pain-related disability/unemployment, current smoking, and concurrent co-morbidities significantly affect the QOL in CP. Further research is needed to identify factors impacting QOL not explained by our analyses.

Chronic pancreatitis: Multicentre prospective data collection and analysis by the Hungarian Pancreatic Study Group

Introduction

Chronic pancreatitis is an inflammatory disease associated with structural and functional damage to the pancreas, causing pain, maldigestion and weight loss and thus worsening the quality of life.

Aims and methods

Our aim was to find correlations from a multicentre database representing the epidemiological traits, diagnosis and treatment of the disease in Hungary. The Hungarian Pancreatic Study Group collected data prospectively from 2012 to 2014 on patients suffering from chronic pancreatitis. Statistical analysis was performed on different questions.

Results

Data on 229 patients (74% male and 26% female) were uploaded from 14 centres. Daily alcohol consumption was present in the aetiology of 56% of the patients. 66% of the patients were previously treated for acute exacerbation. One third of the patients had had previous endoscopic or surgical interventions. Pain was present in 69% of the cases, endocrine insufficiency in 33%, diarrhoea in 13% and weight loss in 39%. Diagnosis was confirmed with US (80%), CT scan (52%), MRI-MRCP (6%), ERCP (39%), and EUS (7,4%). A functional test was carried out in 5% of the patients. In 31% of the cases, an endoscopic intervention was performed with the need for re-intervention in 5%. Further elective surgical intervention was necessitated in 44% of endoscopies. 20% of the registered patients were primarily treated with surgery. The biliary complication rate for surgery was significantly smaller (2%) than endoscopy (27%); however, pancreatic complications were higher in the patients treated with surgery. Patients who smoked regularly needed significantly more surgical intervention following endoscopy (66.7% vs. 26.9%, p = 0.002) than non-smokers, and the ratio of surgical intervention alone was also significantly higher (27.3% vs. 10.8%, p = 0.004). The ratio of surgery in patients who smoked and drank was significantly higher (30.09% vs. 12.5%, p = 0.012) than in abstinent and non-smoking patients, similarly to the need for further surgical intervention after endoscopic treatment (71.43% vs. 27.78%, p = 0.004).

Conclusions

According to the data analysed, the epidemiological data and the aetiological factors in our cohort differ little from European trends. The study highlighted the overuse of ERCP as a diagnostic modality and the low ratio of use of endoscopic ultrasonography. The results proved that alcohol consumption and smoking represent risk factors for the increased need for surgical intervention. Chronic pancreatitis should be treated by multidisciplinary consensus grounded in evidence-based medicine.

Pancreatic cancer in patients with chronic calcifying pancreatitis: Computed tomography findings - a retrospective analysis of 48 patients

OBJECTIVE

Chronic calcifying pancreatitis (CCP) is a risk factor for pancreatic cancer (PC). Symptoms of PC are non-specific in patients with CCP, and diagnostic imaging can be difficult. Some studies have shown that diagnosis may take several months, leading to delays in treatment (Lin et al., 2015; Lennon et al., 2014) [2,3]. The aim of this study was to describe the radiological signs of PC in patients with CCP.

METHODS

This retrospective, single-center study was conducted between January 2004 and December 2014. Patients with CCP who were being monitored for PC were included. Each patient diagnosed with PC was matched with two CCP controls who did not develop PC.

RESULTS

We studied 48 patients with CCP (30 men (62%) and 18 women (38%), mean age 69.4 years). Sixteen patients (with 18 tumor sites) who developed PC (1.52%) were compared with 32 controls who did not develop PC. A hypodense mass was observed in all of the patients with PC, predominantly in the pancreatic head (61.2%). No such masses were observed in the controls (p<0.001). The average mass size was 36.3mm, and the masses were observed to push aside the calcifications in all patients (p<0.001). Calcifications were very abundant (>10) in 33.3% of the patients with PC and in 71.9% of the controls (p=0.0076). The main pancreatic duct (MPD) was dilated in all of the patients with PC (average diameter 8.6mm; homogeneous in 83.3%) and in only 46.9% of the controls (average 7.4mm; homogeneous in 37.5%) (p>0.05). Dilation of the intrahepatic bile ducts and common bile duct was observed in 15 (94.4%) of the patients with PC and in none of the controls (p<0.0001). The average alcohol consumption was 1g/day (0-5g/day) in the PC group and 4.6g/day (0-20g/day) in the control group. In addition, the average smoking history was 14.25 pack-years (0-40 PY) in the PC group and 27.70 PY (0-60 PY) in the control group.

CONCLUSION

The presence of a pancreatic mass in a patient with CCP is suggestive of malignancy, especially when few pancreatic calcifications are observed (that are pushed aside by the tumor) and when the tumor causes dilation of the common bile duct and main pancreatic duct.

The Pancreatic Duct Ligated (Mini)pig as a Model for Pancreatic Exocrine Insufficiency in Man

Modern therapy of pancreatic exocrine insufficiency (PEI) using pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT) has largely been very effective and has greatly helped in improving the nutritional status of patients with PEI and in increasing the life expectancy in cystic fibrosis. It is believed that the use of predictable large animal models could play an important role in assessing and developing new therapies. This article reviews the pancreatic duct ligated (adult) minipig as a chronic model of total PEI, with a detailed look at the influence of PEI and response to PERT on prececal compared to fecal digestibility, to directly investigate effects on protein and starch digestion and absorption. In addition, the piglet with PEI is reviewed as a model for PEI in young patients with the aim of further improving the therapy and nutritional status of young patients with cystic fibrosis.

Racial Differences in the Clinical Profile, Causes, and Outcome of Chronic Pancreatitis

OBJECTIVES

Racial differences in susceptibility and progression of pancreatitis have been reported in epidemiologic studies using administrative or retrospective data. There has been little study, however, on the clinical profile, causes, and outcome of chronic pancreatitis (CP) in black patients.

METHODS

We analyzed data on black patients with CP prospectively enrolled in the multicenter North American Pancreatitis Studies from 26 US centers during the years 2000-2014. CP was defined by definitive evidence on imaging studies or histology. Information on demographics, etiology, risk factors, disease phenotype, treatment, and perceived effectiveness was obtained from responses to detailed questionnaires completed by both patients and physicians.

RESULTS

Of the 1,159 patients enrolled, 248 (21%) were black. When compared with whites, blacks were significantly more likely to be male (60.9 vs. 53%), ever (88.2 vs. 71.8%), or current smokers (64.2 vs. 45.9%), or have a physician-defined alcohol etiology (77 vs. 41.9%). There was no overall difference in the duration of CP although for alcoholic CP, blacks had a longer duration of disease (8.6 vs. 6.97 years; P=0.02). Blacks were also significantly more likely to have advanced changes on pancreatic morphology (calcifications (63.3 vs. 55.2%), atrophy (43.2 vs. 34.6%), pancreatic ductal stricture or dilatation (72.6 vs. 65.5%) or common bile duct stricture (18.6 vs. 8.2%)) and function (endocrine insufficiency 39.9 vs. 30.2%). Moreover, the prevalence of any (94.7 vs. 83%), constant (62.6 vs. 51%), and severe (78.4 vs. 65.8%) pain and disability (35.1 vs. 21.4%) were significantly higher in blacks. Observed differences were in part related to variances in etiology and duration of disease. No differences in medical or endoscopic treatments were seen between races although prior cholecystectomy (31.1 vs. 19%) was more common in white patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Differences were observed between blacks and whites in the underlying cause, morphologic expression, and pain characteristics of CP, which in part are explained by the underlying risk factor(s) with alcohol and tobacco being much more frequent in black patients as well as disease duration.

Pancreatic damage induced by cigarette smoke: the specific pathological effects of cigarette smoke in the rat model

In recent years, pancreatic pathologies have become common problems and their etiology and pathogenesis are generally unknown. Studies have shown that smoking may increase the risk of pancreatic disorders but very scant knowledge is available about the pathogenesis of cigarette induced pancreatic pathology. This study aimed to evaluate the oxidative stress status, biochemical, pathological and immunohistochemical findings of rats exposed to cigarette smoke, pathogenesis of smoking related pancreatic damage and usability of Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA) for amelioration of cigarette smoking induced harmful effects on rat pancreas. Twenty eight female, Sprague Dawley rats were randomly distributed into three groups. The sham group (S) (n = 8), rats were given 0.1 ml of physiological serum by oral gavage for 8 weeks. The cigarette smoke exposed group (CSE) (n = 10), rats were exposed to successive periods of cigarette smoke for 2 hours per day per 8 weeks and given 0.1 ml of physiological serum orally during the study. The cigarette smoke exposed and ALA treated group (CSE + ALA) (n = 10), animals were exposed to cigarette smoke (2 hours per day per 8 weeks) and simultaneously treated with 100 mg per kg per day ALA orally during the study. At the end of the study, the serum samples were collected for insulin, glucagon, glucose and amylase analyses. Tissue samples were collected for biochemical, histopathological and immunohistochemical examinations. Total oxidant status (TOS), total antioxidant status (TAS) levels and oxidative stress index (OSI) were evaluated in the pancreas samples. Immunohistochemical analyses of insulin, glucagon, calcitonin gene related protein (CGRP), active caspase-3, hypoxia inducible factor-1 (Hif-1), Hif-2 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) expressions of pancreas were examined. Cigarette smoke caused statistically significant increase in serum amylase and glucose but decreased insulin levels indicating both endocrine and exocrine cell damage. There were no statistically significant differences in serum glucagon levels between the groups. Histopathological examination of the pancreas exhibited generally normal tissue architecture but slightly degenerative and apoptotic cells were noticed both in the endocrine and exocrine part of the pancreas in the CSE group. Immunohistochemical analyses revealed marked increase in active caspase-3, Hif-1 and Hif-2, CGRP and TNF-α expressions with a slight increase in glucagon immunoreactivity in cells while a marked decrease was observed in insulin expression in some Langerhans islets in the CSE group. ALA ameliorated biochemical and pathological findings in the CSE + ALA group. These findings clearly demonstrated that cigarette smoke can cause damage in both endocrine and exocrine cells in rat pancreas and ALA has an ameliorative effect of cigarette induced lesions.

Surgery for chronic pancreatitis: the role of early surgery in pain management

OBJECTIVES

To examine if surgery performed for pain of chronic pancreatitis (CP) within 3 years diagnosis has greater odds of achieving complete pain relief than later surgery and to find optimal surgical timing for attaining pain relief in CP.

METHODS

Retrospective review of records at a tertiary institution 2003 to 2011 for CP where the operative indication was pain. Outcomes were pain-free status, opioid use, and pancreatic insufficiency at 3-year follow-up. Univariate analysis by Fisher exact tests. Receiver operating curve to calculate cutoff threshold time for surgery.

RESULTS

Outcomes for 66 patients were included. Median preoperative CP duration was 28 months (interquartile range, 12, 67). Twenty-six patients (39.4%) were free of pain at the 3-year follow-up. Thirty-four patients (51.5%) were opioid users at follow-up. Postoperatively, 34 patients (51.5%) demonstrated endocrine, and 32 patients (48.5%) demonstrated exocrine insufficiency. The optimal cutoff point for preoperative CP duration was 26.5 months (area under the curve, 0.66). Shorter duration of CP before surgery was a predictor of pain-free status and reduced postoperative opioid use at follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Results from a single institution analysis suggest early surgical intervention of 26.5 months or less of diagnosis is associated with improved pain control, and optimal timing for surgery may be earlier than previously thought.

Recombinant interleukin-1 receptor antagonist attenuates the severity of chronic pancreatitis induced by TNBS in rats

Chronic pancreatitis (CP) is a common disease in the department of gastroenterology, with the main symptoms of exocrine and/or endocrine insufficiency and abdominal pain. The pathogenic mechanism of CP is still not fully clarified and the aims of treatment now are to relieve symptoms. In this study, we attempted to find a connection between interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra) in trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS)-induced chronic pancreatitis, and then the therapeutic effect of recombinant IL-1Ra was also detected in the CP model. Chronic pancreatitis was induced by intraductal infusion of TNBS in SD rats followed by a consecutive administration of rIL-1Ra, and the histological changes and collagen content in the pancreas were measured, as well as the abdominal hypersensitivity. We found that rhIL-1Ra could attenuate the severity of chronic pancreatic injury, modulate the extracellular matrix secretion, focal proliferation and apoptosis, and cellular immunity in TNBS-induced CP. Interestingly, rIL-1Ra could also block the pancreatitis-induced referred abdominal hypersensitivity. In conclusion, IL-1Ra may play a protective role in CP and rIL-1Ra would be a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of CP, while its possible mechanisms and clinical usage still need further investigation.