Pancreatitis, Chronic

Basics

Description

  • Long-standing and progressive destruction of pancreatic tissue due to persistent inflammation
  • Results in exocrine and/or endocrine insufficiency
  • Major features
    • Pain
    • Malabsorption
    • Diabetes mellitus (type 3)
    • Increased risk of pancreatic cancer

Epidemiology

Incidence

  • Predominant age: 35 to 45 years (usually related to alcohol abuse)
  • Predominant sex: male > female
  • Hospitalization more common for blacks than whites

Prevalence
8/10,000

Genetics
Hereditary pancreatitis is a rare condition with an autosomal dominant inheritance pattern; mutations in PRSS1 gene and SPINKI gene

General Prevention

  • Avoid tobacco.
  • Avoid excess alcohol.

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