CXC receptor 1 is overexpressed in endoscopy-negative gastroesophageal reflux disease

Abstract

Objective. Transmural endoscopic drainage and necrosectomy have become favored treatment modes for infected pancreatic pseudocysts and necroses. In this analysis, we summarize the outcome of 40 patients with complicated course of acute pancreatitis after endoscopic treatment. Material and methods. From January 2006 through May 2011, 40 patients of our department with complicated pancreatitis were included in this retrospective analysis. All patients underwent endosonographic transgastric puncture followed by wire-guided insertion of one or more double pigtail stents. Patients with extensive necroses were treated repeatedly with transgastric necrosectomy. Treatment success was determined by clinical, laboratory, and radiological parameters. Results. Nine patients had interstitial pancreatitis (IP) with pancreatic pseudocysts. Thirty-one patients had necrotizing pancreatitis (NP) with acute pancreatic necroses (n = 4) or walled-off pancreatic necrosis (n = 27). All patients with IP and nine patients with NP had pseudocysts without solid material and underwent transgastric drainage only. In this group major complications occurred in 11.1% and no mortality was observed. Twenty-two NP patients were treated with additional repeated necrosectomy. In patients with localized peripancreatic necroses (n = 10) no need of surgery or mortality was observed, major complications occurred in 10%. In patients with extensive necroses reaching the lower abdomen (n = 12), three needed subsequent surgery and three died. Conclusions. Transgastric endoscopy is an effective minimally invasive procedure even in patients with advanced pancreatic necroses. Complication rate is low particularly in patients with sole pseudocysts or localized necroses. The extent of the fluid collections and necroses is a new predictive parameter for the outcome of the patients.     

The microbiology of infected pancreatic necrosis

Background

Acute pancreatitis (AP) continues to cause significant morbidity and mortality, especially when it leads to infected pancreatic necrosis (IPN). Modern treatment of IPN frequently involves prolonged courses of antibiotics in combination with minimally invasive therapies. This study aimed to update the existing evidence base by identifying the pathogens causing IPN and therefore aid future selection of empirical antibiotics.

Reduction in mortality in severe acute pancreatitis: A time trend analysis over 16 years

BackgroundThe trend in the outcome of patients with acute pancreatitis (AP) as a result of evolving management practices is not known.ObjectiveTo study and compare the outcomes of patients with AP at a tertiary care academic center over a period of 16 years.MethodsIn a retrospective study on a prospectively acquired database of patients with AP, we analyzed time trends of severity and mortality of AP. The influence of determinants of severity [APACHE II score, organ failure (OF), infected pancreatic necrosis (IPN)], and management strategy on the actual and predicted mortality was assessed. The actual mortality was adjusted for severity to analyze the severity-adjusted mortality at different times as a reflection of management practices over time.ResultsA total of 1333 patients were studied. The number of patients hospitalized with AP has been increasing over time. The proportion of patients with severe AP also increased from 1997 to 2013 as shown by increasing incidence of organ failure and IPN (Spearman's rank correlation coefficient (ρ): OF ρ(17) = 0.797, p < 0.01; IPN ρ(17) = 0.739, p < 0.001), indicating an increasing referral of sicker patients. Consequently, the overall mortality has been increasing (ρ(17) = 0.584; p = 0.014). However, despite increasing severity of AP, the mortality adjusted for OF has decreased significantly (ρ(17) = −0.55, p = 0.02).ConclusionEven with increasing proportion of patients with severe AP, there has been a significant decrease in organ failure adjusted mortality due to AP suggesting improved management over years.     

Management of colonic fistulas in patients with infected pancreatic necrosis being treated with a step-up approach

BackgroundColonic fistula is a potentially fatal complication in acute necrotizing pancreatitis (ANP), especially in patients with infected pancreatic necrosis (IPN). The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of a step-up approach including percutaneous catheter drainage (PCD) and continuous negative pressure irrigation (CNPI) in a group of patients with colonic fistula.MethodsA retrospective review of a prospectively collected data was performed. Data were extracted for patients complicated by colonic fistula from January 2010 to January 2017.ResultsA total of 1750 patients were admitted with ANP during the study period. Of these patients, 711 (41%) developed IPN and colonic fistula was present in 132 (19%). A step-up approach was adopted for all patients, with 47% avoiding surgery. The mortality in patients requiring surgery (37%) was higher than that in patients managed non-surgically (19%) constituting an overall mortality rate of 29%. In patients managed conservatively, 92% had spontaneous closure of the fistula.ConclusionColonic fistula is not a rare complication in ANP occurring in 19% of patients with IPN in the current study. A step-up approach was effective and safe in managing colonic fistula and surgery could be obviated in nearly half of the patients.     

Increase in the incidence of alcoholic pancreatitis and alcoholic liver disease in Iceland: impact of per capita alcohol consumption

Abstract

Objective: To analyze the incidence of acute alcoholic pancreatitis and of severe alcoholic liver disease (ALD) and its association with per capita alcohol consumption with identification of both alcoholic cirrhosis (AC) and severe alcoholic hepatitis (AH), in a population-based setting.

Methods: A search was undertaken in diagnoses database for diagnostic codes in order to find patients hospitalized with incident acute alcoholic pancreatitis (AP) and alcoholic liver disease in Iceland in 2001–2015. Diagnoses were verified in all patients who were retrospectively reviewed. Those with ALD had either AC or AH. Alcohol sales during the study period were obtained from Statistics Iceland.

Results: Overall, 273 patients with acute AP, mean age at diagnosis 50 (14) years, 74% males and 159 patients with ALD, mean age 57 (11) years, 73% males, were identified. Mean per capita alcohol consumption was 6.95 (0.4) liters and increased by 21% over the study period. The annual incidence of AP increased from 4.2 per 100.000 to 9.5 and ALD from 1.6 to 6.1 per 100.000. Trend analysis showed a significant annual increase of 7% (RR 1.07, 95%CI 1.04–1.10) for AP and an annual increase of 10.5% (RR 1.10, 95%CI 1.06–1.15) for ALD. The increase was only significant in males.

Conclusions: Increase per capita alcohol consumption over a 15?year study period was associated with an increase in the incidence of severe alcoholic liver disease and alcohol-related acute pancreatitis in males but not in females.     

Early infection is an independent risk factor for increased mortality in patients with culture-confirmed infected pancreatic necrosis

BackgroundMortality in infected pancreatic necrosis (IPN) is dynamic over the course of the disease, with type and timing of interventions as well as persistent organ failure being key determinants. The timing of infection onset and how it pertains to mortality is not well defined.ObjectivesTo determine the association between mortality and the development of early IPN.MethodsInternational multicenter retrospective cohort study of patients with IPN, confirmed by a positive microbial culture from (peri) pancreatic collections. The association between timing of infection onset, timing of interventions and mortality were assessed using Cox regression analyses.ResultsA total of 743 patients from 19 centers across 3 continents with culture-confirmed IPN from 2000 to 2016 were evaluated, mortality rate was 20.9% (155/734). Early infection was associated with a higher mortality, when early infection occurred within the first 4 weeks from presentation with acute pancreatitis. After adjusting for comorbidity, advanced age, organ failure, enteral nutrition and parenteral nutrition, early infection (≤4 weeks) and early open surgery (≤4 weeks) were associated with increased mortality [HR: 2.45 (95% CI: 1.63–3.67), p < 0.001 and HR: 4.88 (95% CI: 1.70–13.98), p = 0.003, respectively]. There was no association between late open surgery, early or late minimally invasive surgery, early or late percutaneous drainage with mortality (p > 0.05).ConclusionEarly infection was associated with increased mortality, independent of interventions. Early surgery remains a strong predictor of excess mortality.     

Kynurenine pathway alteration in acute pancreatitis and its role as a biomarker of infected necrosis

IntroductionInfected pancreatic necrosis (IPN) is a major cause of mortality in acute pancreatitis (AP). Currently, no specific strategies are available to predict the development of IPN. Earlier we reported that persistent down-regulation of HLA-DR increases risk of developing IPN. Altered kynurenine pathway (KP) metabolites showed poor prognosis in sepsis. Here we evaluated the role of HLA-DR and KP in IPN.MethodsPatients with ANP and healthy controls were enrolled. Demographic and clinical parameters were recorded. Circulating interleukin (IL)-8, 6, 1β, 10, Tumor necrosis factor-α were quantified using flowcytometry. Plasma procalcitonin, endotoxin, and KP (tryptophan, kynurenine) concentrations were estimated using ELISA. qRT-PCR was conducted to evaluate mRNA expression of HLA-DR, IL-10, Toll like receptor-4 (TLR-4), and kynurenine-3-monooxygenase (KMO) genes on peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Plasma metabolites were quantified using gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS). Standard statistical methods were used to compare study groups. Metaboanalyst was used to analyse/visualize the metabolomics data.ResultsWe recruited 56 patients in Cohort-1 (IPN:26,Non-IPN:30), 78 in Cohort-2 (IPN:57,Non-IPN:21), 26 healthy controls. Increased cytokines, endotoxin, and procalcitonin were observed in patients with IPN compared to Non-IPN. HLA-DR and KMO gene expressions were significantly down-regulated in IPN groups, showed positive correlation with one another but negatively correlated with IL-6 and endotoxin concentrations. Increased IDO and decreased plasma tryptophan were observed in IPN patients. Metabolome analysis showed significant reduction in several essential amino acids including tryptophan in IPN patients. Tryptophan, at a concentration of 9 mg/ml showed an AUC of 91.9 (95%CI 86.5–97.4) in discriminating IPN.ConclusionHLA-DR downregulation and KP alteration are related to IPN. The KP metabolite plasma tryptophan can act as a potential biomarker for IPN.     

Serotonin,calcitonin and calcitonin gene-related peptide in acute pancreatitis

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate plasma levels of serotonin, calcitonin and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) in the course of acute pancreatitis (AP) taking organ failure, etiology and severity into consideration.

Material and methods: Sixty consecutive patients with alcohol- or gallstone-induced AP were included over a 15-month period. Patients were treated according to a standardized algorithm and monitored for organ specific morbidity and mortality. Organ functions and blood samples were assessed on days 0, 1, 2 and 14 after hospital admission. Twenty healthy volunteers, matched for age and gender, comprised the reference group.

Results: Lower levels of serotonin were observed in patients at admission compared to healthy volunteers (p?=?.021). Serotonin levels increased from day 2 to 14 (p?<?.001), but with no relation to severity, etiology or organ failure. No difference in calcitonin levels was found in patients at admission compared to healthy volunteers. However, calcitonin levels decreased over time (p?<?.001) and higher levels were found in patients with respiratory failure (p?=?.039). No difference was observed in relation to severity or etiology. CGRP levels in patients at admission did not differ from healthy volunteers, nor did CGRP change over time or show any relationship to severity, etiology or organ failure.

Conclusion: Our data suggest serotonin and calcitonin levels to be associated to time-course of AP, and calcitonin levels to organ dysfunction. We hypothesize that serotonin plays a pathogenic role in the compromised pancreatic microcirculation, and calcitonin a role as a biomarker of severity in AP.     

Amalgamation of systemic inflammatory response syndrome score with C-reactive protein level in evaluating acute pancreatitis severity in children

Background and aim: Systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) has to do with how the body reacts to injury. Herein, we analyzed the clinical features of acute pancreatitis (AP) in children with SIRS complication and investigated the role of SIRS score combined with C-reactive protein (CRP) level in assessing AP severity in children.

Methods: This retrospective cohort study involved 111 children hospitalized with AP at the Children's Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine between January 2012 and August 2017. Presence of SIRS, demographic data, clinical information and laboratory test results on admission were statistically examined.

Results: Out of the 111 AP cases, 45 were diagnosed with SIRS. Differences in CRP, interleukin-6 (IL-6), age, temperature, heart rate (HR), white blood cell (WBC), neutrophil count (NC), body mass index (BMI), duration of onset of disease symptoms as well as cases requiring intensive care unit (ICU) treatment were significantly higher in patients with SIRS than those without SIRS (p?p?p?=?.02) and fever (OR?=?3.56, p?=?.007). SIRS was an independent predictor for AP severity (OR?=?10.820, p?=?.005). The optimal cut-off value of CRP was 27.5?mg/L for severe AP classification according to receiver operating characteristic (ROC) (area under curve was 0.733).

Conclusion: Amalgamation of SIRS criterion with CRP level potentially plays an important role in assessing AP severity in children.     

Could rising BUN predict the future development of infected pancreatic necrosis?

BackgroundInfected (peri)pancreatic necrosis (IPN) in acute pancreatitis (AP) is associated with organ failure (OF) and high mortality. There are no established early markers of primary IPN. This study aimed to assess the association of simple parameters with primary IPN in AP.MethodsWe retrospectively studied 281 patients with AP admitted to Mayo Clinic hospitals and identified those with microbiologically confirmed infections in (peri)pancreatic necrosis and collections. We defined primary IPN as infection of (peri)pancreatic necrotic tissue that developed before interventions. We recorded admission hematocrit, BMI, BUN, serum creatinine, SIRS score and development of persistent organ failure within 48 h of admission; and performed serial SIRS and BUN calculations for at least 48 h. We used univariate and multivariable analysis to assess associations and expressed results as odds ratio (OR)[95% CI].Results27 (9.6%) patients developed IPN, of which 21 (77.7%) had primary IPN. 38.1% had Gram positive, 9.5% Gram negative and 52.3% mixed bacterial infections. Five (23.8%) of the patients with IPN had fungal infection. On univariate analysis, SIRS ≥ 2 at admission, rise in BUN by 5 mg/dL within 48 h of admission, persistence of SIRS for 48 h and development of persistent OF within 48 h of disease had significant association with development of primary IPN with OR (95% CI) of 4.12 (1.53–11.15), 10.25 (3.95–26.61), 1.19 (1.69–10.39) and 7.62 (2.58–21.25) [2-tailed p = 0.004, <0.0001, 0.002 and <0.0001] respectively. On multivariable analysis, only rise in BUN by 5 mg/dL within 48 h of admission was associated with primary IPN (p = 0.007).ConclusionsRising BUN within 48 h of admission can be used to predict development of primary IPN in AP.     

Persistent SIRS and acute fluid collections are associated with increased CT scanning in acute interstitial pancreatitis

Background: The use of computed tomography (CT) in acute pancreatitis (AP) continues to increase in parallel with the increasing use of diagnostic imaging in clinical medicine.

Aim: To determine the factors associated with obtaining >1 CT scan in acute interstitial pancreatitis (AIP).

Methods: Demographic and clinical data of all adult patients admitted between 1/2010 and 1/2015 with AP (AP) were evaluated. Only patients with a CT severity index (CTSI)?≤?3 on a CT obtained within 48?h of presentation were included.

Results: A total of 229 patients were included, of whom 206 (90%) had a single CT and 23 (10%) had >1 CT during the first week of hospitalization. Patients undergoing >1 CT had significantly higher rates of acute fluid collection (AFC), persistent SIRS, opioid use ≥4 days, and persistent organ failure compared to those undergoing 1 CT (p?p?=?.01) and an AFC on initial CT (OR?=?3.5, 95% CI 1.4–9, p?=?.009) were independently associated with obtaining >1 CT.

Conclusion: An AFC on initial CT and persistent SIRS are associated with increased CT imaging in AIP patients. However, these additional CT scans did not change clinical management.     

Value of routine clinical tests in predicting the development of infected pancreatic necrosis in severe acute pancreatitis

Objective. Fine-needle aspiration (FNA) is the procedure of choice for accurate diagnosis of infected necrosis. However, invasive procedures increase the risk of secondary pancreatic infection and the timing of FNA is still a matter for debate. Our objective was to assess the value of routine clinical tests to determine the minimal risk for infected necrosis, thereby optimizing timing and selection of patients for image-guided FNA. Material and methods. This prospective, non-randomized study comprised 90 patients with acute necrotizing pancreatitis. The data of 52 patients were used for discriminant function analysis to determine the differences between patients with infected necrosis and those with sterile necrosis. Cut-off points for variables were established using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis and logistic regression was performed to determine the risk of infected necrosis. The clinical relevance of the defined diagnostic system was prospectively tested in a further 38 consecutive patients with acute necrotizing pancreatitis (ANP). Results. Discriminant function analysis showed that C-reactive protein (CRP) and white blood cell (WBC) values were significant discriminators between patients with sterile necrosis and those with infected necrosis. Cut-off values of 81 mg/l for CRP and 13×10⁹/l for WBC were established. The predicted risk for infected necrosis is approx. 1.4% if both tests are below the defined cut-off values. Consequently, we found FNA unnecessary in this subset of patients, unless otherwise indicated, as this invasive procedure per se carries a certain risk of bacterial contamination. Conclusions. Routine clinical tests are helpful in diagnosing the development of infected necrosis. Based on the application of classification functions, the timing and selection of patients for image-guided FNA can be optimized.     

Abdominal paracentesis drainage improves tolerance of enteral nutrition in acute pancreatitis: a randomized controlled trial

Objective: The objective of this study is to determine whether abdominal paracentesis drainage (APD) could improve the administration of enteral nutrition (EN) in acute pancreatitis.

Methods: Between January 2015 and April 2016, a total of 161 acute pancreatitis patients were enrolled and randomly assigned to either the APD group or the non-APD group. Several indexes associated with the administration of EN, including the gastroparesis cardinal symptom index (GCSI), the incidence of gastrointestinal adverse events, and the clinical outcomes, were recorded.

Results: The mean GCSI scores were 13.6?±?2.1 before randomization and 7.1?±?2.3 after a week in the APD group. These scores were 13.9?±?2.4 and 9.7?±?1.9 in the non-APD group. The incidences of gastrointestinal adverse events in the two groups were similar (p?>?.05), except for diarrhea. However, the patients in the APD group spent less time achieving the nutrition target (25 per kilogram of body weight per day) and fully tolerated the oral diet (p?<?.05). Additionally, the clinical outcomes of the APD group were better compared with those of the non-APD group.

Conclusion: APD can improve the administration of EN in acute pancreatitis. Given the positive effect of EN on clinical outcomes, this phenomenon possibly explains why APD could improve the clinical outcomes of acute pancreatitis patients in some aspects.     

Endoscopic drainage for management of infected necrosis following EUS-TA in a patient with pancreatic cancer: A case report

Rationale:Endoscopic ultrasonography-guided tissue acquisition (EUS-TA) has become the norm for the diagnosis of pancreatic solid lesions. EUS-TA is relatively safe, but various complications can occur. Infected pancreatic necrosis (IPN) is a rare but serious complication. The latest guidelines suggest that all invasive interventions in patients with IPN should be delayed until walled-off necrosis appears.Patient concerns:A 73-year-old man was referred to our hospital with double primary cancers including gallbladder and pancreas. We performed EUS-TA on metastatic pancreatic tail cancer to confirm histologic diagnosis. Six days after the procedure, he developed abdominal pain and fever.Diagnoses:The patient''s laboratory findings showed leukocytosis and C-reactive protein elevation. Fluid collection around pancreas tail and stomach was detected in computed tomography (CT) scan, and the patient was diagnosed with IPN.Interventions and outcomes:EUS-guided endoscopic transmural drainage (EUS-TD) was performed for the treatment of IPN. Two days after the procedure with antibiotics, his CRP level decreased abruptly, and he received chemotherapy for the treatment of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) 5 days after the procedure. He was discharged from our hospital without complications 15 days after chemotherapy.Lessons:In selected patients with PDAC, early endoscopic drainage may be recommended as treatment for IPN resulting from complications of EUS-TA.     

Morphological and functional recovery following acute and acute recurrent pancreatitis in children: A prospective sequential 2-point evaluation

BackgroundThe functional and morphological recovery following an episode of acute pancreatitis (AP) in children still remains ill understood as research exploring this is limited. We aimed to characterize the morphological and functional changes in pancreas following AP and ARP (acute recurrent pancreatitis) in children.MethodsChildren with AP were followed prospectively and assessed at two time points at least 3 months apart, with the first assessment at least 3 months after the AP episode. Exocrine and endocrine functions were measured using fecal elastase and fasting blood sugar/HbA1c levels respectively. Morphological assessment was done using endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) and magnetic resonance imaging and cholangiopancreatography (MRI/MRCP).ResultsSeventy-three children (boys:59%; mean age:8.4 ± 3.2years) were studied and 21 of them (29%) progressed to ARP. Altered glucose homeostasis was seen in 19 (26%) at first and 16 (22%) at second assessment and it was significantly more in ARP group than the AP group at first (42.8%vs19.2%; p = 0.03) as well as second assessment (38.1%vs15.3%; p = 0.03). Twenty-one children (28.7%) at first and 24 (32.8%) at second assessment developed biochemical exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. EUS detected indeterminate and suggestive changes of chronic pancreatitis in 21% at first (n = 38) and 27.6% at second assessment (n = 58). On MRCP, main pancreatic duct and side branch dilatation were seen in 15 (20.5%) and 2 (2.7%) children respectively.ConclusionsMore than one-quarter of children have evidence of altered glucose homeostasis and biochemical exocrine pancreatic insufficiency following an episode of AP. Similarly, morphological features of chronicity seen in some of the children suggest that a fraction of subjects may develop chronic pancreatitis on longer follow-up.     

Efficacy of s-type stents for the treatment of the main pancreatic duct stricture in patients with chronic pancreatitis

Objective. Stents have been used to relieve pancreatic duct stricture and upstream dilatation. However, many of these stents are straight-type stents originally manufactured for biliary use. A plastic stent that was developed for use in the pancreatic duct was used in this study and its usefulness investigated.

Material and methods. The stent (s-type stent: 10?Fr in diameter) has two alternate flexions and the shape resembles the tilde mark “～” in appearance. After obtaining informed consent, stents were placed in 20 patients with abdominal pain caused by chronic pancreatitis and stricture of the distal main pancreatic duct. The stents were removed according to the clinical manifestations and replaced with new ones if the stricture persisted.

Results. In total, 33 stents were placed in 20 patients. Pain relief was attained in 19 patients (95%). The stricture improved after one stenting in 8 patients (40%). Owing to persistent stricture, the stenting was repeated in 11 patients. The 50% stent indwelling period was 369.0 days. No proximal or distal migration of the stent occurred and there were no serious complications.

Conclusions. In view of its long durability as a stent and no migration, the s-stent is safe and useful for the management of pancreatic ductal strictures in patients with chronic pancreatitis.     

Factors associated with long-term mortality in acute pancreatitis

Abstract

Background and aims. Knowledge of the long-term prognosis of acute pancreatitis (AP) is limited. The aims were to investigate: (1) prognostic factors associated with long-term mortality in patients with AP; (2) whether or not the level of serum (S-)amylase at admission had an impact on the prognosis; (3) causes of death in these patients. Methods. During 1977–1982, patients who were admitted to the five main hospitals in Copenhagen with a diagnosis of AP or chronic pancreatitis (CP) were included in a prospective cohort, the Copenhagen Pancreatitis Study (CPS); in 2008, they were followed up by linkage to the Danish Registries. The analyzed subcohort consisted of 352 patients with probable AP (n = 54) or definite AP (n = 298). Results. Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that significant factors associated with mortality were age, alcohol, and diabetes, whereas female gender, co-living and employment were associated with better survival. The S-amylase level had no impact on mortality. The most frequent causes of death were cardiovascular diseases, digestive diseases, and malignancies. Conclusions. Age, alcohol and diabetes had a significant impact on survival whereas the S-amylase level did not.     

Analysis of factors influencing survival in patients with severe acute pancreatitis

Objective: Acute pancreatitis (AP) ranges from a mild and self-limiting disease to a fulminant illness with significant morbidity and mortality. Severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) is defined as persistent organ failure lasting for 48?h. We aimed to determine the factors that predict survival and mortality in patients with SAP.

Methods: We reviewed a consecutive series of patients who were admitted with acute pancreatitis between January 2003 and January 2013. A total of 1213 cases involving 660 patients were evaluated, and 68 cases with SAP were selected for the study. Patients were graded based on the Computer Tomography Severity Index (CTSI), the bedside index for severity (BISAP), and Ranson’s criteria.

Results: The frequency of SAP was 5.6% (68/1213 cases). Among these patients, 17 died due to pancreatitis-induced causes. We compared several factors between the survivor (n?=?51) and non-survivor (n?=?17) groups. On multivariate analysis, there were significant differences in the incidence of diabetes mellitus (p?=?.04), Ranson score (p?=?.03), bacteremia (p?=?.05) and body mass index (BMI) (p?=?.02) between the survivor and non-survivor groups.

Conclusions: Bacteremia, high Ranson score, DM, and lower BMI were closely associated with mortality in patients with SAP. When patients with SAP show evidence of bacteremia or diabetes, aggressive treatment is necessary. For the prediction of disease mortality, the Ranson score might be a useful tool in SAP.     

Endoscopic-ultrasound-guided endoscopic transmural drainage of pancreatic pseudocysts and abscesses

Objective. Surgery is the traditional treatment for symptomatic pancreatic pseudocysts and abscesses, but morbidity and mortality are still too high. Minimally invasive approaches have been encouraged. The aim of this study was to evaluate the results of the endoscopic-ultrasound-guided (EUS) endoscopic transmural drainage of these pancreatic collections. Material and methods. In this retrospective review of consecutive cases from a single referral centre, cystogastrostomy and cystoduodenostomy were created with an interventional linear echoendoscope under endosonographic and fluoroscopic control by the endoscopic insertion of straight or double pigtail stents. Results. Fifty-one symptomatic patients (33 men; mean age 58 years) were submitted to 62 procedures from January 2003 to December 2005. EUS-guided drainage was successful in 48 (94%) patients. Only three patients needed surgery. There were two procedure-related complications managed clinically. During a mean follow-up of 39 weeks, recurrence due to migration or obstruction of the stent was 17.7%. All these cases were submitted to a new session of endoscopic drainage. There was no mortality. Complications were more frequent in patients with a recent episode of acute pancreatitis (38.5% versus 10%; p=0.083). The endoscopic approach was not more hazardous for abscesses in regard to complications rate (19% versus 16.6%; p>0.05). In abscesses, a nasocystic drain did not decrease the complications rate (27% versus 13%; p=0.619), but the placement of 2 stents did decrease this rate (18% versus 20%; p>0.05), although increased it in pseudocysts (40% versus 13%; p=0.185). Conclusions. Endoscopic transmural drainage is a minimally invasive, effective and safe approach in the management of pancreatic pseudocysts and abscesses.     

Single-step versus multi-step transmural drainage of pancreatic pseudocysts: The use of cystostome is effective and timesaving

Abstract

Background and aims. Pancreatic pseudocysts are a major complication of chronic and acute pancreatitis and often require endoscopic intervention. Endoscopic single-step and multi-step transmural drainage techniques have been reported in the literature. The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare technical results and clinical outcome rates of the single-step versus multi-step endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS)-guided endoscopic transmural drainage in patients with symptomatic pancreatic pseudocysts of >4 cm size. Design. Retrospective study at an academic tertiary referral center. Patients and methods. A total of 38 consecutive patients comprising 42 interventions were studied: 16 patients with pancreatic pseudocysts (18 interventions) had undergone single-step EUS-guided transmural cystostome drainage between 2007 and 2010. Results were compared with a cohort of 22 patients who had submitted to multi-step EUS-guided transmural drainage of pancreatic pseudocysts in 24 cases between 2005 and 2007. Results. The technical success rate for using the single-step procedure was 94% compared with multi-step procedure with 83% (n.s.). Primary clinical success rate was 88% for single-step drainage and 90% for the multi-step approach (n.s.). The mean procedure time was 36 ± 9 min in the single-step group compared with 62 ± 12 min for the multi-step access (p < 0.001). Conclusions. The use of single-step cystostome appears useful in managing selected patients with symptomatic pancreatic pseudocysts as it is effective and timesaving.