Open Access, Peer-reviewed
pISSN 2234-8646
eISSN 2234-8840
    Korean J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 2010 Mar;13(1):58-65. Korean.
    Published online Mar 31, 2010.
    https://doi.org/10.5223/kjpgn.2010.13.1.58
    Copyright © 2010 The Korean Society of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition
    Original Article

    Clinical Features of Acute Pancreatitis in Children

    Jung Ho Seo, M.D., Seong Heon Kim, M.D., Sang Geon Jeong, M.D.,* and Jae Hong Park, M.D.
      • Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Pusan National University, Busan, Korea.
      • *Department of Pediatrics, Good Gangahn Hospital, Busan, Korea.
    • Responsible author (Email: jhongpark@pusan.ac.kr )
    Received February 19, 2010; Accepted March 12, 2010.

    Abstract

    Purpose

    Since there are few studies involving acute pancreatitis in children, we reviewed our experience with this medical condition to describe the clinical features.

    Methods

    A retrospective analysis was conducted by reviewing the medical records of 41 patients with AP who were admitted to the Department of Pediatrics of Pusan National University Hospital between January 1996 and June 2007.

    Results

    Twenty males and 21 females (mean age, 8.7±4.5 years) were included. In 22 patients (53.7%), no definitive causes were found. The most common etiologies were choledochal cysts (22.0%). Necrotizing pancreatitis was diagnosed in 5 patients (12.2%), and recurrent acute pancreatitis in 4 patients (9.8%). CT findings included pancreatic swelling (43.9%), peripancreatic fluid collection (29.3%), ascites (24.4%), and peripancreatic fat necrosis (12.2%). Serum amylase and lipase levels at diagnosis were 535.3±553.2 and 766.2±723.6 U/L, respectively, and were normalized within 1 week in 22 and 14 patients, respectively. On the basis of the Balthazar scale, 2 patients were diagnosed with severe AP. In 4 patients (9.8%), a surgical procedure was indicated. Major complications included ascites (32.3%), sepsis (16.1%), and pseudocyst and renal impairments (12.9%). Two patients died from multi-organ failure.

    Conclusion

    The etiologies of AP in children are varied. Most children have a single episode and a self-limited course. However, AP of childhood still carries significant morbidity and mortality. Early diagnosis, appropriate treatment according to disease severity, and management of complications are important.

    Keywords
    Acute pancreatitis; Children

    Tables

    Table 1
    Patient Data

    Table 2
    Presenting Symptoms on Admission

    Table 3
    Etiology of Acute Pancreatitis in Children

    Table 4
    Initial Laboratory Findings

    Table 5
    Radiologic Findings

    Table 6
    Normalization of Serum Amylase and Lipase Levels

    Table 7
    Prognosis Scoring System

    Table 8
    Complications

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    MeSH Terms
    Amylases
    Ascites
    Child
    Choledochal Cyst
    Early Diagnosis
    Fat Necrosis
    Female
    Humans
    Lipase
    Male
    Medical Records
    Pancreatitis
    Pediatrics
    Retrospective Studies
    Sepsis
    Metrics
    Share
    Tables
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