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Acute recurrent and chronic pancreatitis in children

Acute recurrent pancreatitis (ARP) is defined as two distinct episodes of acute pancreatitis (AP), whereas chronic pancreatitis (CP) is caused by persistent inflammation of the pancreas. In children they are caused by genetic mutations, autoimmune pancreatitis, congenital pancreatic abnormalities, and other conditions. Acute recurrent pancreatitis is frequently a precursor to CP, and both are thought to be on the same disease continuum. In particular, genetic factors are associated with early progression of ARP to CP. The diagnosis of CP, as in AP, is based on clinical findings, biochemical tests, and imaging studies. Findings of exocrine pancreatic dysfunction are also important in the diagnosis of CP. A step-up strategy has become increasingly standard for the treatment of patients with CP. This strategy starts with endoscopic treatment, such as pancreatic sphincterotomy and stenting, and progresses to surgery should endoscopic therapy fail or prove technically impossible. Non-opioid (e.g. ibuprofen / naproxen) and opioid (e.g. oxycodone) forms of analgesia are widely used in pediatric patients with AP or CP, whereas pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy may be beneficial for patients with abdominal pain, steatorrhea, and malnutrition. Despite the disparity in the age of onset, pediatric CP patients display some similarities to adults in terms of disease progress. To reduce the risk of developing pancreatic exocrine inefficiency, diabetes and pancreatic cancer in the future, clinicians need to be aware of the current diagnostic approach and treatment methods for ARP and CP and refer them to a pediatric gastroenterologist in a timely manner.