Causal Evaluation of Pancreatitis in Children

Pancreatitis in childhood is not common. It can be associated with severe morbidity and mortality. The role of clinicalevaluation is vital as it can be misdiagnosed easily. This study was aimed to review the prevalence, etiology,presentation and outcome of pancreatitis in children. This cross-sectional study was conducted at the Department ofPediatric Gastroenterology & Nutrition of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka from January,2017 through June, 2018. A total 43 cases of pancreatitis were included in this study. Pancreatitis was classified asacute pancreatitis(AP), acute recurrent pancreatitis (ARP) and chronic pancreatitis (CP) as per diagnostic criteriamade by INSPPIRE (International Study Group of Pediatric Pancreatitis: In Search for a Cure) group. Among 43children (age 10.1 mean ± 2.55,18 males); AP,14 (32.6%); ARP, 14(32.6%) and CP,15(34.8 %). Half of AP wasidiopathic. Majority of ARP (28.6%) were idiopathic and CP (40%) had calcific pancreatitis. Majority of patients hadvomiting followed by moderate to severe abdominal pain. In CP 4(26.6%) patient developed diabetes mellitus.Majority of pancreatitis in children is idiopathic. A sub-set of AP goes on to develop ARP and CP on follow-up andbeing in the idiopathic sub-set is a risk factor. CP is progress to endocrine and exocrine insufficiency. Early diagnosis,close monitoring and proper intervention are mandatory to reduce the potential morbidity and mortality. Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Med. Coll. J. 2022;1(2):76-79