The revised pancreatitis etiology-based classification system TIGAR-O, version 2: adaptation for the Russian clinical practice

The discoveries in molecular genetics and breakthrough visualization techniques in the last 20 years have changed our understanding of the pancreatitis causes and biomarkers, expanded our knowledge on the pathophysiology of the disease, and promoted the development of new additional conservative treatments. From the practical perspective, the physician's comprehension of the etiology is of particular importance. It is for this reason that the activities to elaborate an etiology-based classification of pancreatitis have been already started since long ago. The first internationally acknowledged system was TIGAR-O checklist, introduced in 2001. Being innovative at the time, it structured our understanding of the etiology of chronic pancreatitis. The revised version (version 2) was published in 2019 and is less known to the Russian medical community, although from the authors' point of view, it has been substantially extended and structured to be maximally convenient and useful for physicians in routine medical practice. The review presents key provisions of the TIGAR-O, version 2 and recommendations for its adaption to the Russian clinical setting.

[Assessment of exo- and endocrine function of pancreas following distal pancreatectomy]

AIM

The assessment of pancreatic resection volume influence on exo- and endocrine pancreatic functions.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The resected pancreatic volume influence was assessed in 47 patients: 31 (66%) patients after resections of pancreatic body and tail, and 16 (34%) patients after distal resections. The exocrine pancreatic function was assessed by pancreatic fecal elastase 1 as well as endocrine pancreatic function was assessed by C-peptide level measurement. Computed tomography with intravenous contrast enhancement and postprocessing was used for pre- and postoperative pancreatic volume assessment. All tests were performed before and 1, 3, and 6 months after surgery.

RESULTS

Type of surgery had no influence on C-peptide and pancreatic fecal elastase 1 levels (p>0.05). Exo- and endocrine pancreatic functions markers tended to decrease in 1st month after surgery with consequent functions restoration towards 6 months after surgery. There were 15 (35.7%) patients from 42 patients with normal exocrine pancreatic function with a fecal elastase 1 level decrease to 114.7±61.8 μg/g; exocrine insuficiency remained only in 2 (4.8%) patients after 6 months after surgery. C-peptide concentration decrease before surgery to less than 1.1 ng/ml was noticed only in 8 (17%) patients. C-peptide concentration decreased in 30 (63.8%) patients in 1st month after surgery, but after 6 months after surgery, C-peptide level decrease was only in 7 (14.9%) patients.

CONCLUSION

The exo- and endocrine function of the pancreas is restored in more than 80% of patients after DR. Probably it could be associated with the activation of the pancreatic compensatory abilities.

Nutritional status of patients undergoing pancreatic resection

Changes in the exocrine function of the pancreas often develops after proximal and distal resections. Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) is characterized by a reduced secretion of pancreatic enzymes, because of which the digestion and absorption of nutrients is impaired. Clinical manifestations of EPI and, as a consequence, changes in nutritional status significantly affect the quality of life of patients.

Nutritional status disorders and methods of their correction in patients with advanced pancreatic cancer

Despite of achieved progress in advanced pancreatic cancer treatment, the disease outcomes remain far from satisfying. The peculiarity of malnutrition treatment in these patients is the result of its causes complexity and progressively growing manifestations extent. The review represents mechanisms of malnutrition and approaches to their treatment.