Pancreatitis in childhood: Clinical analysis of 20 cases

Abstract

Aim: Pancreatitis rarely occurs in childhood and the underlying causes differ from adults. The aim of this study is to evaluate the documentation of characteristics of our cases diagnosed as pancreatitis. Material and Method: Of the 20 patients (19 acute, one chronic) who diagnosed as pancreatitis in our clinic during a five year period were analyzed retrospectively, considering clinical and laboratory findings, underlying risk factors and outcome of the illness. Data were analysed with SPSS 16.0 computer package programme. Results: Of the 20 patients 14 were female and 6 were male. The mean age was 11.4 +/- 3.62 (2-18) years. The most common risk factors were systemic diseases (15%), drugs (15%), biliary diseases (15%) and trauma (10%). Nine of cases (45%) were idiopathic. One patient with chronic pancreatitis was defined as cystic fibrosis. Two patients had acute recurrent pancreatitis (one with mumps infection). Twenty-two episodes of 19 patients with acute pancreatitis were documented. The serum amylase and lipase were elevated in 81.8% and 90.9% of patients respectively. Pseudocysts (10%), venous thrombosis (10%) and necrotising pancreatitis (5%) were the major complications. None of the patients died. Conclusions: Systemic illnesses, drugs, biliary diseases and trauma are the major risk factors in childhood pancreatitis. Although the mortality rate is low in children, the patients should be considered by means of complication such as pseudocyst and venous thrombosis, especially in severe pancreatitis. (Turk Arch Ped 2011; 46: 49-54)