Mortality and morbidity in necrotizing pancreatitis managed on principles of step-up approach: 7 years experience from a single surgical unit

Step-Up versus Open Approach in the Treatment of Acute Necrotizing Pancreatitis: A Case-Matched Analysis of Clinical Outcomes and Long-Term Pancreatic Sufficiency

Background/Objectives: Acute necrotizing pancreatitis (ANP) with secondary infection of necrotic tissue is associated with a high rate of complications and mortality. The optimal approach is still debatable, but the minimally invasive modality has gained great attention in the last decade as it follows the principle of applying minimal surgical trauma to achieve a satisfying therapeutic objective. We compared clinical outcomes between the step-up approach (SUA) and open necrosectomy (ON) in the treatment of acute necrotizing pancreatitis. Methods: A prospective cohort study over the period of 2011-2021 in a university teaching hospital was performed. Results of 99 consecutive patients with ANP who required surgical/radiological intervention were collected. A case match analysis (2:1) was performed, and the final groups comprised 40 patients in the OA group and 20 patients in the SUA group. Demographic, clinicopathologic, and treatment data were reviewed. Results: Baseline characteristics and disease severity were comparable between the two groups. The patients from the SUA group had a significantly lower morbidity rate and rate of pancreatic insufficiency. Death occurred in 4 of 20 patients (20%) in the SUA group and in 11 of 40 patients (27.5%) in the ON group (risk ratio with the step-up approach, 0.72; 95% confidence interval, 0.26 to 1.99; p = 0.53). Conclusions: A minimally invasive step-up approach provides comparable outcomes to open necrosectomy in the treatment of ANP with infected pancreatic necrosis. While mortality and hospital stay were comparable between the groups, morbidity and pancreatic insufficiency were significantly lower in the SUA group. Further studies on a larger number of patients are required to define the place of SUA in the modern treatment of ANP.

Epidemiology and risk factors for mortality in critically ill patients with pancreatic infection

Background

The AbSeS-classification defines specific phenotypes of patients with intra-abdominal infection based on the (1) setting of infection onset (community-acquired, early onset, or late-onset hospital-acquired), (2) presence or absence of either localized or diffuse peritonitis, and (3) severity of disease expression (infection, sepsis, or septic shock). This classification system demonstrated reliable risk stratification in intensive care unit (ICU) patients with intra-abdominal infection. This study aimed to describe the epidemiology of ICU patients with pancreatic infection and assess the relationship between the components of the AbSeS-classification and mortality.

Methods

This was a secondary analysis of an international observational study ("AbSeS") investigating ICU patients with intra-abdominal infection. Only patients with pancreatic infection were included in this analysis (n=165). Mortality was defined as ICU mortality within 28 days of observation for patients discharged earlier from the ICU. Relationships with mortality were assessed using logistic regression analysis and reported as odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI).

Results

The overall mortality was 35.2% (n=58). The independent risk factors for mortality included older age (OR=1.03, 95% CI: 1.0 to 1.1 P=0.023), localized peritonitis (OR=4.4, 95% CI: 1.4 to 13.9 P=0.011), and persistent signs of inflammation at day 7 (OR=9.5, 95% CI: 3.8 to 23.9, P<0.001) or after the implementation of additional source control interventions within the first week (OR=4.0, 95% CI: 1.3 to 12.2, P=0.013). Gram-negative bacteria were most frequently isolated (n=58, 49.2%) without clinically relevant differences in microbial etiology between survivors and non-survivors.

Conclusions

In pancreatic infection, a challenging source/damage control and ongoing pancreatic inflammation appear to be the strongest contributors to an unfavorable short-term outcome. In this limited series, essentials of the AbSeS-classification, such as the setting of infection onset, diffuse peritonitis, and severity of disease expression, were not associated with an increased mortality risk.ClinicalTrials.gov number: NCT03270345.

Current trends in acute pancreatitis: Diagnostic and therapeutic challenges

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is an inflammatory disease of the pancreas, which can progress to severe AP, with a high risk of death. It is one of the most complicated and clinically challenging of all disorders affecting the abdomen. The main causes of AP are gallstone migration and alcohol abuse. Other causes are uncommon, controversial and insufficiently explained. The disease is primarily characterized by inappropriate activation of trypsinogen, infiltration of inflammatory cells, and destruction of secretory cells. According to the revised Atlanta classification, severity of the disease is categorized into three levels: Mild, moderately severe and severe, depending upon organ failure and local as well as systemic complications. Various methods have been used for predicting the severity of AP and its outcome, such as clinical evaluation, imaging evaluation and testing of various biochemical markers. However, AP is a very complex disease and despite the fact that there are of several clinical, biochemical and imaging criteria for assessment of severity of AP, it is not an easy task to predict its subsequent course. Therefore, there are existing controversies regarding diagnostic and therapeutic modalities, their effectiveness and complications in the treatment of AP. The main reason being the fact, that the pathophysiologic mechanisms of AP have not been fully elucidated and need to be studied further. In this editorial article, we discuss the efficacy of the existing diagnostic and therapeutic modalities, complications and treatment failure in the management of AP.

Endoscopic management of pancreatic walled-off necrosis

Pancreatic walled-off necrosis (WON) is a complication of severe pancreatitis. Endoscopic transmural drainage has been recognized as the first-line treatment for pancreatic fluid collections. Endoscopy offers a minimally invasive approach when compared to surgical drainage. Today, endoscopists may choose to use self-expanding metal stents, pigtail stents, or lumen-apposing metal stents to facilitate drainage of fluid collections. Current data suggest that all 3 approaches yield similar outcomes. It was previously thought that drainage should be performed 4 weeks from the initial event of pancreatitis, theoretically allowing the capsule to mature. However, current data show that both early (<4 weeks) and standard (≥4 weeks) endoscopic drainage are comparable. Herein, we provide an up-to-date state-of-the-art review of the indications, techniques, innovations, outcomes, and future perspectives following drainage of pancreatic WON.

Early prediction of acute necrotizing pancreatitis by artificial intelligence: a prospective cohort-analysis of 2387 cases

Pancreatic necrosis is a consistent prognostic factor in acute pancreatitis (AP). However, the clinical scores currently in use are either too complicated or require data that are unavailable on admission or lack sufficient predictive value. We therefore aimed to develop a tool to aid in necrosis prediction. The XGBoost machine learning algorithm processed data from 2387 patients with AP. The confidence of the model was estimated by a bootstrapping method and interpreted via the 10th and the 90th percentiles of the prediction scores. Shapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) values were calculated to quantify the contribution of each variable provided. Finally, the model was implemented as an online application using the Streamlit Python-based framework. The XGBoost classifier provided an AUC value of 0.757. Glucose, C-reactive protein, alkaline phosphatase, gender and total white blood cell count have the most impact on prediction based on the SHAP values. The relationship between the size of the training dataset and model performance shows that prediction performance can be improved. This study combines necrosis prediction and artificial intelligence. The predictive potential of this model is comparable to the current clinical scoring systems and has several advantages over them.

Routine laboratory parameters in patients with necrotizing pancreatitis by the time of operative pancreatic debridement: Food for thought

BACKGROUND

Timing of invasive intervention such as operative pancreatic debridement (OPD) in patients with acute necrotizing pancreatitis (ANP) is linked to the degree of encapsulation in necrotic collections and controlled inflammation. Additional markers of these processes might assist decision-making on the timing of surgical intervention. In our opinion, it is logical to search for such markers among routine laboratory parameters traditionally used in ANP patients, considering simplicity and cost-efficacy of routine laboratory methodologies.

AIM

To evaluate laboratory variables in ANP patients in the preoperative period for the purpose of their use in the timing of surgery.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of routine laboratory parameters in 53 ANP patients undergoing OPD between 2017 and 2020 was performed. Dynamic changes of routine hematological and biochemical indices were examined in the preoperative period. Patients were divided into survivors and non-survivors. Survivors were divided into subgroups with short and long post-surgery length of stay (LOS) in hospital. Correlation analysis was used to evaluate association of laboratory variables with LOS. Logistic regression was used to assess risk factors for patient mortality.

RESULTS

Seven patients (15%) with severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) and 46 patients (85%) with moderately SAP (MSAP) were included in the study. Median age of participants was 43.2 years; 33 (62.3%) were male. Pancreatitis etiology included biliary (15%), alcohol (80%), and idiopathic/other (5%). Median time from diagnosis to OPD was ≥ 4 wk. Median postoperative LOS was at the average of 53 d. Mortality was 19%. Progressive increase of platelet count in preoperative period was associated with shortened LOS. Increased aspartate aminotransferase and direct bilirubin (DB) levels the day before the OPD along with weak progressive decrease of DB in preoperative period were reliable predictors for ANP patient mortality.

CONCLUSION

Multifactorial analysis of dynamic changes of routine laboratory variables can be useful for a person-tailored timing of surgical intervention in ANP patients.

Percutaneous catheter drainage of pancreatic associated pathologies: A systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

The main goal of this systematic review was to assess the technical and clinical success, adverse events (AEs), surgery, and overall mortality proportion after percutaneous catheter drainage (PCD) of two pancreatic lesions.

METHODS

An extant search in online databases including Scopus, PubMed (Medline), Embase (Elsevier), Web of Science, Cochrane library, and Google Scholar, was conducted to recognize all studies that used PCD intervention in the management of pancreatic necrosis (PN) and pancreatic pseudocysts (PP). Random effects meta-analysis was performed, and Cochrane's Q test and I²statistic were utilized to determine heterogeneity. In addition, meta-regression was used to explore the influence of categorical variables on heterogeneity.

RESULTS

Thirty-two studies (1398 patients) including PN in 26 (1256 cases, 89.8%) studies and PP in 6 (142 cases, 10.2%) studies were identified. Technical success proportion was 100% (95% confidence interval [CI] 100%-100%, I²: 0.0%), clinical success 63% (95% CI 55%-71%, I²: 92.9%), AEs 26% (95% CI 21%-31%, I²: 78%), surgery after PCD intervention 33% (95% CI 25%-40%, I²: 92.4%), and overall mortality was 13% (95% CI 9%-17%, I²: 82.8%). The most common ADs after PCD intervention were development of fistula (106, 42.6%), hemorrhage (44, 17.7%), sepsis (40, 16.1%).

CONCLUSION

A significant clinical success proportion with low AEs, surgery, and overall mortality proportion after PCD intervention was found, although the results should be interpreted with caution due to the high heterogeneity.

Acute Necrotizing Pancreatitis following Long-Term Antipsychotic Use

Introduction. Psychiatrists commonly use antipsychotic medications in the treatment of psychotic and mood disorders. A rare but known side effect of atypical antipsychotics is acute pancreatitis. Most cases of antipsychotic-induced pancreatitis occur within six months of initiation. The mechanism believed to cause this reaction is hypertriglyceridemia. Here, we present a unique case of antipsychotic-induced pancreatitis that deviates from previous cases in the time to onset of the pancreatitis and the mechanism of presentation. Case Presentation. We present a case of a patient with treatment-resistant schizophrenia managed for over a decade on olanzapine and haloperidol. Twelve years after stabilization on this medication regimen, the patient developed acute pancreatitis, which after extensive medical workup was attributed to his psychotropic medications. We review his medical and psychiatric history, his medical course and workup during the episode of pancreatitis, and review recommendations for patients at risk for antipsychotic-induced pancreatitis based on this case and the current literature. Discussion. This case illustrates that acute pancreatitis can occur long after the initiation of antipsychotic medications and may be mediated by mechanisms other than hypertriglyceridemia. While there are reports of antipsychotic-induced psychosis occurring within months, and in a limited set of cases, years, after medication initiation, the twelve-year time interval in the present case is by far the longest duration of an antipsychotic precipitating this adverse event recorded in the literature. This case highlights that although exceedingly rare, prescribers should be aware of the risk for drug-induced pancreatitis in patients stable on antipsychotic medications.

Small Incision Combined with Nephroscope Operation in the Treatment of Infectious Pancreatic Necrosis: A Single-Center Experience of 37 Patients

Objective

To explore the safety and efficacy of small incision combined with nephroscope surgery in the treatment of infectious pancreatic necrosis.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of the clinical data of 37 patients with infectious pancreatic necrosis who underwent small incision combined with nephroscopy in the Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery of Hunan Provincial People's Hospital from January 2018 to December 2019.

Results

All 37 patients successfully completed small incision combined nephroscope surgery. The median time from the onset to the operation of all patients was 38 days (range: 29-80 days), and the hospital stay was 19 days (range: 3-95 days). The median number of drainage tubes placed during the operation was 4 (range: 2-8). According to the different surgical approaches, 13 cases were through the retroperitoneal approach, 11 cases were through the omental sac approach, 2 cases were through the intercostal approach, and 11 cases were combined approach. The operation time was 85.3 ± 31.6 min, and intraoperative bleeding was 63.1 ± 40.0 ml. The incidence of complications (Clavien-Dindo grade 3 and above) was 5.4%. Among them, 2 patients were admitted to the intensive care unit due to postoperative bleeding, 1 case was cured by conservative treatment, and 1 case was cured by interventional treatment. During the follow-up period, 2 patients developed colonic fistula at 2 weeks after operation, and 2 patients developed gastric fistula at 1 week and 3 weeks after operation; all were cured by conservative treatment.

Conclusion

Small incision combined with nephroscope surgery is an effective treatment for patients with infectious pancreatic necrosis by removing necrotic tissue, unobstructed drainage, and reducing complications.

Safety and efficacy of lumen-apposing metal stents versus plastic stents to treat walled-off pancreatic necrosis: systematic review and meta-analysis

Background and study aims  Lumen-apposing metal stents (LAMS) are increasingly used for drainage of walled-off pancreatic necrosis (WON). Recent studies suggested greater adverse event (AE) rates with LAMS for WON. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to compare the safety and efficacy of LAMS with double-pigtail plastic stents (DPPS) for endoscopic drainage of WON. The primary aim was to evaluate stent-related AEs. Methods  In October 2019, we searched the Ovid (Embase, MEDLINE, Cochrane) and Scopus databases for studies assessing a specific LAMS or DPPS for WON drainage conducted under EUS guidance. Safety outcomes were AE rates of bleeding, stent migration, perforation, and stent occlusion. Efficacy outcomes were WON resolution and number of procedures needed to achieve resolution. A subanalysis including non-EUS-guided cases was performed. Results  Thirty studies including one randomized controlled trial (total 1,524 patients) were analyzed. LAMS were associated with similar bleeding (2.5 % vs. 4.6 %, P =  0.39) and perforation risk (0.5 % vs. 1.1 %, P =  0.35) compared to DPPS. WON resolution (87.4 % vs. 87.5 %, P =  0.99), number of procedures to achieve resolution (2.09 vs. 1.88, P =  0.72), stent migration (5.9 % vs. 6.8 %, P =  0.79), and stent occlusion (3.8 % vs. 5.2 %, P =  0.78) were similar for both groups. Inclusion of non-EUS-guided cases led to significantly higher DPPS bleeding and perforation rates. Conclusions  LAMS and DPPS were associated with similar rates of AEs and WON resolution when limiting analysis to EUS-guided cases. Higher bleeding rates were seen in historical studies of DPPS without EUS guidance. Additional high-quality studies of WON treatment using consistent outcome definitions are needed.

Asians Have Higher Risk of Developing Pancreatic Necrosis in Inflammatory Bowel Disease Patient Population: A National Inpatient Sample Database Study

Background 

The aim of this study is to evaluate race-associated risk factors of acute pancreatitis (AP) in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients.

Methods 

A retrospective analysis using 2016 and 2017 National Inpatient Sample database was performed. Inclusion criteria were principal diagnosis of AP and a secondary diagnosis of IBD. Patients below 18 years of age were excluded. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality rate and secondary outcomes included pancreatic necrosis, surgical necrosectomy, total hospitalization charges, total parenteral nutrition use, and length of stay. For the primary and secondary outcomes, adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and mean difference calculation using multivariate regression were calculated.

Results

A total of 7,060 patients with AP in IBD were identified; of which 53.5% were female. The use of Medicaid was significantly higher in blacks (39.5%), Hispanics (32.6%), and Asian/Pacific Islanders (40%) compared to whites (19.9%). Approximately 63.2% of AP patients in IBD received care at an urban teaching hospital. Pancreatic necrosis was noted to be highest in Asians or Pacific Islanders compared to whites (aOR 12.62, 95% CI 1.00-159.3, p = 0.05).

Conclusion

Our study shows that racial disparities exist among AP in IBD patients with pancreatic necrosis being more common in Asians and Pacific Islanders compared to whites. Identification of potential causes of these disparities is of paramount importance to expand access to healthcare.

Necrotizing pancreatitis: A review for the acute care surgeon

BACKGROUND

Necrotizing pancreatitis is a common condition with high mortality; the acute care surgeon is frequently consulted for management recommendations. Furthermore, there has been substantial change in the timing, approach, and frequency of surgical intervention for this group of patients.

METHODS

In this article we summarize key clinical and research developments regarding necrotizing pancreatitis, including current recommendations for treatment of patients requiring intensive care and those with common complications. Articles from all years were considered to provide proper historical context, and most recent management recommendations are identified.

RESULTS

Epidemiology, diagnosis, treatment in the acute phase, and complications (both short-term and long-term) are discussed. Images of surgical interventions are included from our institutional experience.

CONCLUSION

Necrotizing pancreatitis management remains heavily based on clinical judgement, although technological advances and clinical trials have made decision making more straightforward.

Infectious Complications in Severe Acute Pancreatitis: Pathogens, Drug Resistance, and Status of Nosocomial Infection in a University-Affiliated Teaching Hospital

BACKGROUND

Secondary infection is an important factor affecting mortality and quality of life in patients with severe acute pancreatitis. The characteristics of secondary infection, which are well known to clinicians, need to be re-examined in detail, and their understanding among clinicians needs to be updated accordingly.

AIM

This study aims to investigate the characteristics and drug resistance of pathogens causing severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) secondary infection, to objectively present infection situation, and to provide reference for improved clinical management.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was performed on 55 consecutive patients with SAP who developed secondary infection with an accurate evidence of bacterial/fungal culture from 2016 to 2018. The statistics included the spectrum and distribution of pathogens, the drug resistance of main pathogens, and associations between multiple infectious parameters and mortality.

RESULTS

A total of 181 strains of pathogens were isolated from (peri)pancreas; bloodstream; and respiratory, urinary, and biliary systems in 55 patients. The strains included 98 g-negative bacteria, 58 g-positive bacteria, and 25 fungi. Bloodstream infection (36.5%) was the most frequent infectious complication, followed by (peri)pancreatic infection (32.0%). Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia were predominant among gram-negative bacteria. Gram-positive bacterial infections were mainly caused by Enterococcus faecium and Staphylococcus spp. Fungal infections were predominantly caused by Candida spp. The drug resistance of pathogens causing SAP secondary infection was generally higher than the surveillance level. Patients in the death group were older (55 ± 13 years vs. 46 ± 14 years; p = 0.039) and had longer intensive care unit (ICU) stay (14 vs. 8; p = 0.026) than those in the survival group. A. baumannii infection (68.4% vs. 33%; p = 0.013), number of pathogens ≥ 4 (10 vs. 6; p = 0.005), pancreatic infection (14 vs. 15, p = 0.024), and urinary infection (8 vs. 5; p = 0.019) were significantly associated with mortality.

CONCLUSION

Gram-negative bacteria are the main pathogens causing SAP secondary infection, in which nosocomial infections play a major role. The drug resistance profile of gram-negative bacteria is seriously threatening, and the commonly used antibiotics in SAP are gradually losing their effectiveness. Much attention should be paid to the rational use of antibiotics, and strategies should be established for infection prevention in SAP.

An endoscopic or minimally invasive surgical approach for infected necrotizing pancreatitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND AND AIM

the incidence of acute pancreatitis is rising across the world, thus further increasing the burden on healthcare services. Approximately 10% of patients with acute pancreatitis will develop infected necrotizing pancreatitis (INP), which is the leading cause of high mortality in the late phase. There is currently no consensus with regard to the use of endoscopic or minimally invasive surgery as the first-line therapy of choice for INP. However, more clinical research with regard to the superiority of an endoscopic approach has been recently published. Therefore, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine which of the two treatments leads to a better prognosis.

METHODS

four databases (Medline, SINOMED, EMBASE and Cochrane Library) were searched for eligible studies from 1980 to 2018, comparing endoscopic and minimally invasive surgery for INP.

RESULTS

two randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and seven clinical cohort studies were included. After the analysis of data amenable to polling, significant advantages were found in favor of the endoscopic approach in terms of pancreatic fistulas (OR = 0.10, 95% CI 0.04-0.30, p < 0.001) and the length of hospital stay (weighted mean difference [WMD] = -24.72, 95% CI = -33.87 to -15.57, p < 0.001). No marked differences were found in terms of mortality, multiple organ failure, intra-abdominal bleeding, enterocutaneous fistula, recurrence of pseudocysts, and length of stay (LOS) in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), endocrine insufficiency and exocrine insufficiency.

CONCLUSION

compared with minimally invasive surgery, an endoscopic approach evidently improved short-term outcomes for infected necrotizing pancreatitis, including pancreatic fistula and the length of hospital stay. Furthermore, relevant multicenter RCTs are eager to validate these findings.

Evolution of Transluminal Necrosectomy for Acute Pancreatitis to Stent in Stent Therapy: Step-Up Approach Leads to Low Mortality and Morbidity Rates in 302 Consecutive Cases of Acute Pancreatitis

Background: The step-up approach, using either flexible endoscopy or a minimal invasive retroperitoneal access, has reduced mortality and morbidity in patients with acute pancreatitis. The use of fully covered self-expanding metal stents (FCSEMS) or lumen apposing metal stents (LAMS) facilitates endoscopic necrosectomy and drainage of walled-off necrosis (WON). The aim of our analysis was to investigate the 30/90/365-day mortality and morbidity rates of the subtypes of the revised Atlanta classification for acute pancreatitis. Materials and Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of all patients (n = 302) treated with acute pancreatitis in our institution from January 2014 to July 2017. Mortality, morbidity, management of fluid collections, interventions, complications, and new onset of diabetes were recorded. Results: In 30.8% (n = 93/302) of patients, pancreatic fluid collection developed. Out of these, 58.1% (54/93) required intervention, consisting of endoscopic treatment in 63% (34/54) or multidisciplinary approach in 37% (20/54). Overall, 90-day mortality rate according to Kaplan-Meier Estimator was 3.7%. Overall, 1-year mortality rate was 6.2%. One-year mortality for uncomplicated acute pancreatic fluid collection, pseudocyst, and WON were 5.4%, 2.6%, and 13.5%, respectively. Hemorrhage in case of metal stent treatment (FCSEMS/LAMS) occurred in 14.3%. If LAMS was combined with double pigtail stent-in-stent, bleeding was seen in 5.3%. No transperitoneal necrosectomy was needed. Conclusions: Treating acute pancreatitis with a step-up approach, including stent-in-stent procedures, leads to low mortality rates and few stent-associated bleeding complications and minimizes necessity for open transperitoneal surgical necrosectomy.