Long-term follow-up study of necrotising pancreatitis: interventions, complications and quality of life

Gut. 2024 Apr 5;73(5):787-796. doi: 10.1136/gutjnl-2023-329735.

Abstract

Objective: To describe the long-term consequences of necrotising pancreatitis, including complications, the need for interventions and the quality of life.

Design: Long-term follow-up of a prospective multicentre cohort of 373 necrotising pancreatitis patients (2005-2008) was performed. Patients were prospectively evaluated and received questionnaires. Readmissions (ie, for recurrent or chronic pancreatitis), interventions, pancreatic insufficiency and quality of life were compared between initial treatment groups: conservative, endoscopic/percutaneous drainage alone and necrosectomy. Associations of patient and disease characteristics during index admission with outcomes during follow-up were assessed.

Results: During a median follow-up of 13.5 years (range 12-15.5 years), 97/373 patients (26%) were readmitted for recurrent pancreatitis. Endoscopic or percutaneous drainage was performed in 47/373 patients (13%), of whom 21/47 patients (45%) were initially treated conservatively. Pancreatic necrosectomy or pancreatic surgery was performed in 31/373 patients (8%), without differences between treatment groups. Endocrine insufficiency (126/373 patients; 34%) and exocrine insufficiency (90/373 patients; 38%), developed less often following conservative treatment (p<0.001 and p=0.016, respectively). Quality of life scores did not differ between groups. Pancreatic gland necrosis >50% during initial admission was associated with percutaneous/endoscopic drainage (OR 4.3 (95% CI 1.5 to 12.2)), pancreatic surgery (OR 3.2 (95% CI 1.1 to 9.5) and development of endocrine insufficiency (OR13.1 (95% CI 5.3 to 32.0) and exocrine insufficiency (OR6.1 (95% CI 2.4 to 15.5) during follow-up.

Conclusion: Acute necrotising pancreatitis carries a substantial disease burden during long-term follow-up in terms of recurrent disease, the necessity for interventions and development of pancreatic insufficiency, even when treated conservatively during the index admission. Extensive (>50%) pancreatic parenchymal necrosis seems to be an important predictor of interventions and complications during follow-up.

Keywords: ACUTE PANCREATITIS; INTERVENTIONAL RADIOLOGY; PANCREATIC SURGERY; PANCREATITIS; THERAPEUTIC ENDOSCOPY.

MeSH terms

  • Drainage / adverse effects
  • Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency* / etiology
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Necrosis
  • Pancreatitis, Acute Necrotizing* / complications
  • Pancreatitis, Acute Necrotizing* / surgery
  • Pancreatitis, Chronic* / complications
  • Prospective Studies
  • Quality of Life
  • Treatment Outcome