INVESTIGATION OF GEOSPATIAL DISPARITIES IN CHRONIC PANCREATITIS OUTCOMES.

Abstract

Objectives: Chronic pancreatitis (CP) is a fibro-inflammatory disorder characterized by abdominal pain and exocrine and endocrine pancreatic insufficiency resulting in significant morbidity. This study evaluates the impact of geospatial parameters, assessed using the Social Vulnerability Index (SVI), a tool comprising sixteen social attributes, on CP outcomes, including opioid use.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of CP patients with available addresses followed at our pancreas center. We reviewed demographics, clinical variables including number of CP flares, local complications, pancreatic function, and healthcare-resource utilization (HRU) including imaging, endoscopic procedures, and surgeries, and outpatient opioid prescriptions measured in morphine milligram equivalents (MME). Regression analysis was performed to assess the association between outcomes and SVI [divided into 4 quartiles (I-IV; IV being most vulnerable].

Results: Among 324 CP patients followed over 8 years, we noted trends of higher dependence on governmental insurance or no insurance among patients in higher SVI quartiles (III/IV vs. I/II) but no differences in demographics, comorbidities, or etiology of CP. In patients residing in more vulnerable SVI quartiles, we noted significantly higher frequency of hospitalizations for CP flares and lower daily MME. Rates of exocrine and endocrine pancreatic dysfunction and HRU were similar across all SVI quartiles.

Conclusions: Despite multidisciplinary guideline-based care, residence in the most vulnerable neighborhoods may be associated with less opioid use and more frequent CP flares, suggesting possible inadequate pain control in these patients. These findings should guide prospective investigation of the impact of geospatial social determinants of health in CP and efforts to mitigate the above disparities.