Acute pancreatitis. A study of 122 patients with acute pancreatitis observed for 5–15 years

Abstract

A study was performed of 122 patients admitted for acute pancreatitis during the decade 1960–1970. Gallstones were found in 14% and abuse of alcohol in 40%. Ten patients (8%) died before leaving the hospital, and a further 36 died during the follow-up period from 1960–1975. Compared with the general population of similar age and sex, the mortality rate was significantly increased (p<0.01). The recurrence rate during the follow-up period was 43%, and 2/3 of those patients had more than one recurrence. The 76 patients who survived were called for follow-up, but 12 could not be traced. Of the 64 patients who were traced, 83% had no complaints or only moderate complaints, while 14% had severe complaints, and 3% were incapacitated by pain and other symptoms; 17% had continued to drink alcohol. It is concluded that patients admitted to hospital with acute pancreatitis have a significantly higher mortality compared with the normal population. We did not obtain conclusive data that a continued high alcohol consumption worsens the prognosis.

Résumé

Sur 122 patients admis pour pancréatite aiguë entre 1960 et 1970, 14% avaient une lithiase biliaire et 40% étaient alcooliques. Dix malades (8%) sont morts pendant la période de follow-up (1960–1975). La mortalité est nettement plus élevée que celle d'une population normale (P<0.01). La fréquence des récidives a été de 43%, et 2/3 des malades ont eu plus d'une récidive. Sur les 76 survivants, 64 ont pu être retrouvés: 83% d'entre eux n'avaient aucune plainte ou des symptomes mineurs, 14% des symptomes graves et 3% des douleurs ou d'autres symptomes réellement invalidants. Parmi les malades suivis, 17% sont restés des alcooliques. En conclusion, la mortalité chez les patients admis à l'hôpital pour pancréatite aiguë est nettement supérieure à la mortalité d'une population normale. Il n'est pas certain que la persistance de l'alcoolisme chronique aggrave le pronostic.