Combined rectal indomethacin and intravenous saline hydration in post-ERCP pancreatitis prophylaxis

Background and study aimAcute pancreatitis (AP) is a potentially life-threatening complication of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). There is a lack of effective measures to prevent post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP), except NSAIDs. Aggressive hydration for AP can be considered, given the frequency of hemoconcentration, hypovolemia, and hypoperfusion in pancreatitis. We aimed to clarify the clinical utility of combined indomethacin and saline hydration for preventing PEP.Patients and methodIn this cross-sectional study, 120 patients undergoing ERCP for the first time at the Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Unit and Liver Unit Kasralainy (GIELUKA) were enrolled and then randomly allocated into two groups: indomethacin and indomethacin-hydration groups. Intravenous (IV) saline was given to the latter at a rate of 10 ml/kg/h after the ERCP for 2 h.ResultsThe age of the studied patients was 43.8 ± 14.9 years, with 55% of them being female. The patient-related risk factors for PEP were older age (p = 0.039), higher pre-ERCP urea level (p = 0.032), and less choledocholithiasis (p = 0.028). The patients with PEP had a higher frequency of biliary cannulation attempts (p = 0.004) and accidental pancreatic duct cannulation (p = 0.003), required a longer cannulation time (p = 0.021), had undergone precut knife and transpancreatic sphincterotomy at a higher rate (p = 0.032; and p = 0.001, respectively), and had a significantly longer procedure time (p = 0.006).PEP occurred in only five patients in the indomethacin group, while it did not occur in the indomethacin-hydration group (8% vs. 0%, p = 0.022). Serum amylase and lipase elevation 2 h after ERCP were predictors of PEP. However, serum amylase only was significantly lower 2 h post-ERCP in the indomethacin-hydration group than in the indomethacin group (p = 0.045). Moreover, abdominal pain and vomiting on the first day of ERCP were good predictors of PEP.ConclusionAggressive IV saline hydration with rectal indomethacin can more effectively prevent PEP than indomethacin alone.     

Predicting and preventing Post-ERCP pancreatitis

Pancreatitis is rightly the most feared complication of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). Ten percent to 15% of cases of post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP) are severe by clinical and radiologic criteria. Such cases carry significant morbidity and mortality and are responsible for the vast majority of ERCP-related deaths. The prediction and prevention of PEP have been of great interest to endoscopists since the introduction of ERCP 30 years ago. Prediction and diagnosis of PEP have become more accurate with the widespread availability of serum amylase estimation. A variety of cytokines (eg, interleukin [IL]-1, IL-6, and IL-8) and acute phase reactants (eg, C-reactive protein) are also elevated in the serum in acute pancreatitis, and these form the basis of evolving tests for PEP. Urine testing (for amylase) in acute pancreatitis is obsolete, but it may soon undergo a revival in the form of a rapid (3-minute) dipstick test for trypsinogen-2, a sensitive and specific test for this disease. The prevention of PEP takes multiple forms. The following steps are recommended for clinicians: 1) avoid ERCP when other, less invasive or noninvasive imaging tests can do the job (eg, CT or magnetic resonance imaging); 2) avoid highrisk (of PEP) procedures, such as needle-knife papillotomy, balloon dilation of the biliary sphincter, and pancreatic sphincterotomy, and take steps to reduce risk when these procedures are unavoidable; 3) ensure that those who perform ERCP have adequate training and experience; and 4) consider pharmacologic intervention. Despite a depressing catalog of drug interventions that have failed over the years (eg, antihistamines, anticholinergics, and corticosteroids), three agents have recently shown promise: somatostatin; its octapeptide analogue, octreotide; and gabexate mesylate, a protease inhibitor.     

Prevention of post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis by epinephrine sprayed on the papilla

Background and Aim: Epinephrine sprayed on the papilla may reduce papillary edema and prevent acute pancreatitis after endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of localized irrigation with epinephrine saline for prevention of post‐ERCP pancreatitis (PEP). Methods: A total of 941 patients who were scheduled for ERCP were recruited into this study. We randomized the patients to have 20 mL of either 0.02% epinephrine or saline sprayed on the papilla after diagnostic ERCP to prevent post‐ERCP pancreatitis. We recorded duct visualization, presence of pancreatic acinarization, number of injections into the pancreatic duct, total volume of contrast used, and procedure duration. The serum amylase levels were measured at 6, 24 and 48 h after ERCP. We counted the patients of PEPs and compared whether there was significant difference between the pancreatitis group and the no pancreatitis group. Results: A univariate analysis of the explanatory variables between the epinephrine and control groups, the pancreatitis and no pancreatitis groups revealed the treatment to be effective, but most of the groups were not statistically significant. PEPs occurred in 40 of the 941 patients (4.25%), the incidence of pancreatitis tended to be higher in the control group (31/480, 6.45%) than in the epinephrine group (9/461, 1.95%) (P = 0.0086). Conclusions: Epinephrine sprayed on the papilla may be effective to prevent PEP. Female patients (aged ≥ 18 years and < 35 years) (7/40, 17.5%), common bile duct diameter < 10 mm (27/40, 67.5%), previous cholangitis (3/40, 7.5%), body mass index ≥ 24 (22/40, 55%), and/or serum triglycerides ≥ 5.65 mmol/L (6/40, 15%), might be risk factors for post‐ERCP pancreatitis, but are not statistically significant in the study.     

口服硫酸镁对ERCP术后胰腺炎发生和血淀粉酶水平的影响

目的:探讨口服硫酸镁对预防经内镜逆行胰胆管造影术(encoscopic retrograde cholangio-pancreatography,ERCP)后胰腺炎发生和血淀粉酶水平的影响.方法:将120例拟行ERCP的胆总管结石患者随机分为观察组和对照组各60例,观察组ERCP前30min口服50%硫酸镁100mL,对照组不予硫酸镁,观察两组术前及术后3、24h血清淀粉酶水平及术后高淀粉酶血症和胰腺炎发生情况.结果:两组患者术前血清淀粉酶水平的差异无统计学意义(P>0.05),观察组术后3、24h血清淀粉酶水平均显著低于对照组3、24h血清淀粉酶水平(P<0.05).观察组ERCP术后的高淀粉酶血症和胰腺炎发生率均分别显著低于对照组(P<0.05).结论:口服硫酸镁在一定程度上可降低ERCP术后血清淀粉酶水平,对预防ERCP术后高淀粉酶血症及胰腺炎可能有一定积极作用,当需大样本证实.     

Does the somatostatin analogue octreotide protect against ERCP induced pancreatitis?

This study evaluates the effect of the long acting somatostatin analogue octreotide on biochemical and clinical parameters of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) induced pancreatitis. Altogether 245 patients were randomised to receive either octreotide or isotonic saline. Octreotide (100 micrograms) was administered intravenously five minutes before ERCP and subcutaneously 45 minutes after ERCP. There were no significant differences in the median serum amylase and lipase activities at baseline, eight, and 24 hours after ERCP. Five patients (2%) developed clinical pancreatitis--three in the octreotide and two in the placebo groups. Excluding patients who developed pancreatitis, 43 (18%) developed abdominal pain after ERCP--21 in the octreotide and 23 in the placebo groups. There were no significant differences in the median serum amylase and lipase values between the treatment groups. None of the 52 patients who had therapeutic interventions developed pancreatitis. This study suggests that octreotide may not protect against ERCP induced pancreatitis.     

Intestinal barrier dysfunction and increased COX-2 gene expression in the gut of elderly rats with acute pancreatitis

Background/ObjectivesThe clinical course of acute pancreatitis can vary from mild to severe. In its most severe manifestation, acute pancreatitis is associated with an exacerbated systemic inflammatory response and high mortality rates. The severe form of acute pancreatitis is more frequent in elderly patients than in young patients, but the mechanisms underlying this difference are still under investigation.MethodsRats were divided into two groups as follows: Group 1, young rats; and Group 2, old rats. Acute pancreatitis group was induced by a retrograde injection of a sodium taurocholate solution into the biliopancreatic duct. Using this model of acute pancreatic injury, we designed a study to investigate possible differences in microbial translocation and characteristics of the intestinal barrier between elderly and young rats.ResultsThere was a significantly higher number of bacterial colonies in the pancreas of elderly rats compared with young rats following pancreas injury, which was associated with a more severe local intestinal inflammatory response that included elevated gene expression of COX-2 and a decreased gene expression of tight junction proteins.ConclusionsWe conclude that intestinal damage during acute pancreatitis is exacerbated in elderly rats compared with young rats and that COX-2 inhibition could be a potential therapeutic target to offer tailored treatment for acute pancreatitis in the elderly.     

Rectal INdomethacin,oral TacROlimus,or their combination for the prevention of post-ERCP pancreatitis (INTRO Trial): Protocol for a randomized,controlled, double-blinded trial

BackgroundAcute pancreatitis remains the most common and morbid complication of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). The use of rectal indomethacin and pancreatic duct stenting has been shown to reduce the incidence and severity of post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP), but these interventions have limitations. Recent clinical and translational evidence suggests a role for calcineurin inhibitors in the prevention of pancreatitis, with multiple retrospective case series showing a reduction in PEP rates in tacrolimus users.MethodsThe INTRO trial is a multicenter, international, randomized, double-blinded, controlled trial. A total of 4,874 patients undergoing ERCP will be randomized to receive either oral tacrolimus (5 mg) or oral placebo 1–2 h before ERCP, and followed for 30 days post-procedure. Blood and pancreatic aspirate samples will also be collected in a subset of patients to quantify tacrolimus levels. The primary outcome of the study is the incidence of PEP. Secondary endpoints include the severity of PEP, ERCP-related complications, adverse drug events, length of hospital stay, cost-effectiveness, and the pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and pharmacogenomics of tacrolimus immune modulation in the pancreas.ConclusionsThe INTRO trial will assess the role of calcineurin inhibitors in PEP prophylaxis and develop a foundation for the clinical optimization of this therapeutic strategy from a pharmacologic and economic standpoint. With this clinical trial, we hope to demonstrate a novel approach to PEP prophylaxis using a widely available and well-characterized class of drugs.Trial registrationNCT05252754, registered on February 14, 2022.     

Analysis of the risk factors for severity in post endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis: The indication of prophylactic treatments

AIM To determine the risk factors of severe post endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis(s PEP) and clarify the indication of prophylactic treatments.METHODS At our hospital, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP) was performed on 1507 patients from May 2012 to December 2015. Of these patients, we enrolled all 121 patients that were diagnosed with post endoscopic retrograde PEP. Fourteen of 121 patients diagnosed as s PEP were analyzed.RESULTS Forty-one patients had contrast media remaining in the pancreatic duct after completion of ERCP. Seventy-one patients had abdominal pain within three hours after ERCP. These were significant differences for s PEP(P 0.05). The median of Body mass index, the median time for ERCP, the median serum amylase level of the next day, past histories including drinking and smoking, past history of pancreatitis, sphincter of Oddi dysfunction, whether emergency or not, expertise of ERCP procedure, diverticulum nearby Vater papilla, whether there was sphincterotomy or papillary balloon dilation, pancreatic duct cannulation, use of intraductal ultrasonography enforcement, and transpapillary biopsies had no significant differences with s PEP.CONCLUSION Contrast media remaining in the pancreatic duct and the appearance of abdominal pain within three hours after ERCP were risk factors of s PEP.     

N-acetylcysteine does not prevent post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography hyperamylasemia and acute pancreatitis

AIM: Acute pancreatitis (AP) is the most common and often severe complication of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). The early step in the pathogenesis of acute pancreatitis is probably the capillary endothelial injury mediated by oxygen-derived free radicals. N-acetylcysteine - a free radical scavenger may be potentially effective in preventing post-ERCP acute pancreatitis and it is also known that N-acetylcysteine (ACC) can reduce the severity of disease in experimental model of AP. METHODS: One hundred and six patients were randomly allocated to two groups. Fifty-five patients were given N-acetylcysteine (two 600 mg doses orally 24 and 12 h before ERCP and 600 mg was given iv, twice a day for two days after the ERCP). The control group consisted of 51 patients who were given iv. isotonic saline twice a day for two days after the ERCP. Serum and urine amylase activities were measured before ERCP and 8 and 24 h after the procedure. The primary outcome parameter was post-ERCP acute pancreatitis and the secondary outcome parameters were differences between groups in serum and urine amylase activity. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in the rate of post-ERCP pancreatitis between two groups (10 patients overall, 4 in the ACC group and 6 in the control group). There were also no significant differences in baseline and post-ERCP serum and urine amylase activity between ACC group and control group. CONCLUSION: N-acetylcysteine fails to demonstrate any significant preventive effect on post-ERCP pancreatitis, as well as on serum and urine amylase activity.     

联合应用质子泵抑制剂、生长抑素和加贝酯预防ERCP术后胰腺炎和高淀粉酶血症的临床研究

背景：急性胰腺炎和高淀粉酶血症是内镜逆行胰胆管造影术（ERCP）的主要并发症,术前用药对预防和减轻并发症的作用尚存争议。目的：探讨联合应用质子泵抑制剂、生长抑素和加贝酯对ERCP术后胰腺炎（PEP）和高淀粉酶血症的预防作用。方法：共纳入510例行ERCP的患者,随机分为加贝酯组、生长抑素组、联合治疗组（质子泵抑制剂＋生长抑素＋加贝酯）和安慰剂组。观察术后2h、12h和24h血清淀粉酶水平,评估PEP和高淀粉酶血症的发生率．并分析PEP和高淀粉酶血症的危险因素。结果：ERCP术后2h、12h、24h,联合治疗组、生长抑素组和加贝酯组血清淀粉酶水平显著低于安慰剂组（P〈0．05或P〈0．01）,联合治疗组血清淀粉酶水平亦显著低于生长抑素组或加贝酯组（P〈0．05）。ERCP胰管显影者的PEP和高淀粉酶血症发生率显著高于胆管显影者（P〈0．05）。单变量分析显示ERCP操作过程中胰管多次显影、导丝多次插入胰管、导丝辅助、反复插管以及操作中发生上腹疼痛为PEP和高淀粉酶血症的技术相关性高危因素。结论：ERCP术前后联合应用质子泵抑制剂、生长抑素和加贝酯可改善PEP和高淀粉酶血症的发生。     

Does rectal ketoprofen prevent post ERCP pancreatitis?

Background and study aimsEndoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is a commonly used procedure in the management of pancreatic and biliary diseases. Acute pancreatitis is the most common complication following ERCP. Among many medications, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) were subject of numerous trials concerning post ERCP pancreatitis (PEP) prophylaxis. By inhibiting phospholipase A2, these drugs could intervene in the pathogenesis of the disease therefore limiting its occurrence. The use of some rectal NSAIDs agents was shown, to be advantageous in preventing this complication but there were not enough data on ketoprofen. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of rectal ketoprofen prophylactic administration in reducing the risk of PEP.Patients and methodsThe study was a non randomized retrospective single center study conducted between 2014 and 2018 on 242 patients divided into control and trial group receiving 100 mg of rectal Ketoprofen 30 mins before ERCP.PEP was defined as a new or exacerbated abdominal pain, in association with an elevation of serum lipase at least three times higher than the normal upper limit within and lasting more than 24 h after the procedure requiring a re-admission or a prolongation of the hospital stay.This endpoint was determined by comparing the number of patients presenting PEP in the NSAIDs group vs. the control group using Fisher exact test, with p < 0.05 representing a significant statistical value.ResultsPancreatitis developed in 6% after ERCP, 5 of them being in the trial group and 9 in the control group. Additionally, statistical calculations showed a non significant difference between the two groups in the prevalence of PEP.ConclusionRectal ketoprofen administration before ERCP does not have any effect in preventing pancreatitis post ERCP.     

Indomethacin down-regulating HMGB1 and TNF-α to prevent pancreatitis after endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography

Abstract

Background and aims: Several articles demonstrated that non-steroidal anti-inflammation drugs (NSAIDs) were effective in reducing the incidence of pancreatitis after endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (PEP). However, studies revealed inconsistent results. The mechanism of NSAIDs in preventing PEP is still little known. Therefore, the aim of our study was to evaluate the efficacy of NSAIDs for PEP prophylaxis and further to explore the mechanism of NSAIDs for prevention of PEP.

Methods: Patients who underwent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) were randomly assigned to receive 100?mg rectal indomethacin or glycerin suppository 15–20?min before ERCP. The primary outcome was the rate of PEP. And the levels of serum HMGB1 and TNF-α were also measured before ERCP and 3 and 24?h after ERCP. Univariate analysis and multivariate analysis were carried out to estimate the independent risk factors for PEP.

Results: Totally, 100 patients were enrolled, 50 received indomethacin and 50 with placebo (glycerin suppository). PEP developed in six patients in indomethacin group and 16 in the control group, the difference was significant (p?=?.016). The levels of HMGB1 and TNF-α were significantly decreased in indomethacin group at 3 (p?p?p?=?.008) and usage of NSAIDs (OR, 0.278; 95% CI, 0.090–0.861; p?=?.026) were independent predictors of PEP.

Conclusions: Rectal indomethacin could significantly reduce the risk of PEP by down-regulating the levels of HMGB1 and TNF-α.     

The role of double-guidewire technique in preventing postendoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis

Background and study aimsPostendoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) complications increase with repeated cannulation attempts. We evaluated several advanced biliary cannulation techniques, which have been used when the standard approach fails, to increase the success rate and decrease post-ERCP complications. We aimed to evaluate the use of double-wire technique in terms of success rates and effects on post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP) and to assess the value of pancreatic duct stenting following needle-knife sphincterotomy in difficult biliary cannulation.Patients and methodsA single-center, retrospective, randomized study was conducted on patients who underwent ERCP in Notre Dame De Secours University Hospital at Byblos, Lebanon, after obtaining the hospital’s ethics committee approval.Patients were divided into three groups. The first group consisted of patients who had an ERCP and was divided into two subgroups, namely, one using double-guidewire technique (DGT) only and another using an extra technique of precut with double-guidewire and pancreatic plastic stent placement. The second group of patients who had only ERCP was the control group. Finally, the third group endured the precut technique alone.ResultsWe could not prove any significant association between the intervention and the occurrence of pancreatitis when comparing double-wire technique plus ERCP to ERCP alone.When DGT with a pancreatic plastic stent was used, the incidence of PEP was significantly lower than that in other techniques.ConclusionDGT has a neutral effect on the reduction of PEP compared with the classic ERCP, but the technique can decrease the time of examination and increase success in difficult cases. ERCP using the double-guidewire with placement of a pancreatic plastic stent can contribute to decreasing PEP.     

细胞因子与内镜逆行胰胆管造影术后胰腺炎关系的研究进展

内镜逆行胰胆管造影术(enoscopiC retrograde cholangiopancreatography,ERCP)是当前诊治肝、胆、胰疾病的重要手段之一.急性胰腺炎是ERCP术后最常见、最严重的并发症,目前其发病机制仍未完全阐明.近年来研究的普遍共识是炎性细胞因子在轻症胰腺炎向重症胰腺炎演进过程中发挥了重要作...     

Preventing post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis: What can be done?

Post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatographypancreatitis(PEP) is the most common complication of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. The incidence of post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP) pancreatitis varies substantially and is reported around 1%-10%, although there are some reports with an incidence of around 30%. Usually, PEP is a mild or moderate pancreatitis, but in some instances it can be severe and fatal. Generally, it is defined as the onset of new pancreatictype abdominal pain severe enough to require hospital admission or prolonged hospital stay with levels of serum amylase two to three times greater than normal, occurring 24 h after ERCP. Several methods have been adopted for preventing pancreatitis, such as pharmacological or endoscopic approaches. Regarding medical prevention, only non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, namely diclofenac sodium and indomethacin, are recommended, but there are some other drugs which have some potential benefits in reducing the incidence of post-ERCP pancreatitis. Endoscopic preventive measures include cannulation(wire guided) and pancreatic stenting, while the adoption of the early pre-cut technique is still arguable. This review will attempt to present and discuss different ways of preventing post-ERCP pancreatitis.     

Incidence and risk factors for post-ERCP pancreatitis in pancreas divisum patients without chronic pancreatitis

Abstract

Aims: The studies on post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) pancreatitis (PEP) in pancreas divisum (PD) patients without chronic pancreatitis (CP) are rare. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the incidence of PEP in PD patients without CP and the risk and protective factors for PEP.

Methods: Consecutive patients with symptomatic PD that underwent ERCP from January 2005 to December 2017 were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into PD without CP group and CP group. The basic information and medical records of patients were collected. The risk and protective factors for PEP in PD patients without CP were analyzed by univariate logistic analysis.

Results: A total of 89 ERCP procedures were performed in 51 PD patients without CP, and 249 procedures in 136 patients with CP. The incidence of PEP was significantly higher in PD patients without CP than those with CP (15.7% vs. 5.6%, p?=?.005). Female gender were independent risk factors for PEP, while dorsal duct stent placement was a protective factor.

Conclusion: CP may be a protective factor against PEP in PD patients. Female was a risk factor for PEP in PD patients and dorsal duct stent placement was a preventive factor that reduced the incidence of PEP in PD patients without CP.     

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography-related adverse events in patients with type 1 autoimmune pancreatitis

BackgroundEndoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is frequently performed for the diagnosis and treatment of type 1 autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP). However, the prevalence of ERCP-related adverse events in patients with type 1 AIP has not been evaluated. We aimed to clarify the feasibility of ERCP in patients with type 1 AIP.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed 82 consecutive ERCP procedures performed in patients with type 1 AIP from 2004 to 2014 in one university hospital and three tertiary-care referral centers. One hundred four ERCP procedures in chronic pancreatitis and 1123 in non-AIP cohort were enrolled as control groups. We compared the incidence of post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP) between type 1 AIP and control groups. We evaluated the incidence of ERCP-related adverse events and various predictive factors for hyperamylasemia after ERCP.ResultsPancreatography and cholangiography by ERCP were obtained in 78 (95.1%) and 76 (92.7%) patients, respectively. The incidence of PEP, cholangitis, and bleeding was 1.2% (1/82), 0%, and 1.2%, respectively. PEP occurred in type 1 AIP patient with diffuse parenchymal imaging, and the severity was mild. The incidences of PEP were 2.9% (3/104) and 5.4% (61/1123) in chronic pancreatitis and normal cohort, respectively. The incidence of PEP was slightly lower in type 1 AIP than non-AIP cohort (1.2% vs 5.8%, p = 0.119). There were no significant predictive factors for hyperamylasemia after ERCP in type 1 AIP.ConclusionsThe incidence of ERCP-related adverse events is low in patients with type 1 AIP. ERCP-related procedures are feasible in the diagnosis and treatment of AIP.     

Oral allopurinol to prevent hyperamylasemia and acute pancreatitis after endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography

AIM： To assess the efficacy of allopurinol to prevent hyperamylasemia and pancreatitis after endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography （PEP）.
METHODS： One hundred and seventy patients were enrolled and randomized to two groups： a study group （n = 85） who received 300 mg of oral allopurinol at 15 h and 3 h before endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography （ERCP） and a control group （n = 85） receiving an oral placebo at the same times. Main Outcome Measurements included serum amylase levels and the number severity of the episodes of pancreatitis. Serum amylase levels were classified as normal （〈 150 IU/L） or hyperamylasemia （〉 151 IU/L）. Episodes of PEP were classified following Ranson＇s criteria and CT severity index.
RESULTS： Gender distribution was similar between groups. Mean age was 53.5 ±18.9 years for study group and 52.8 ± 19.8 years for controls. Also, the distribution of benign pathology was similar between groups. Hyperamylasemia was more common in the control group （P = 0.003）. Mild PEP developed in two patients from the study group （2.3%） and eight （9.4%） from control group （P = 0.04）, seven episodes were observed in high-risk patients of the control group （25%） and one in the allopurinol group （3.3%, P = 0.02）. Risk factors for PEP were precut sphincterotomy （P = 0.02）, pancreatic duct manipulation （P = 0.002） and multiple procedures （P = 0.000）. There were no deaths or side effects.
CONCLUSION： Oral allopurinol before ERCP decreased the incidences of hyperamylasemia and pancreatitis in patients submitted to high-risk procedures.     

The use of gabexate mesylate and ulinastatin for the prevention of post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis

Background/Aims

Acute pancreatitis is a common complication of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). Only a few pharmacologic agents have been shown to have potential efficacy for the prophylactic treatment of post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP). The aim of this study was to determine whether prophylactic gabexate and ulinastatin can decrease the incidence of PEP.

Methods

From January 2005 to April 2010, 1,679 patients undergoing ERCP treatment were consecutively enrolled in the study. After selective exclusion, a total of 1,480 patients were included in the analysis. The patients were separated into 3 groups according to the prophylactic administration of gabexate (593 patients), ulinastatin (229 patients), or saline solution (658 patients) and analyzed retrospectively. The primary outcome measurements were the incidence of pancreatitis and hyperamylasemia.

Results

PEP occurred in 21 of the 593 (3.5%) patients who received gabexate, 16 of the 229 (7.0%) patients who received ulinastatin, and 48 of the 658 (7.3%) patients who received a saline solution. The incidence of PEP was significantly different between the gabexate and ulinastatin or saline solution groups (p<0.05).

Conclusions

Gabexate prophylaxis is effective in preventing PEP. However, there is no difference in the beneficial effects of the prophylactic administration of ulinastatin and a saline solution.