[Mortality and morbidity in patients with alcohol and biliary-induced acute pancreatitis].

INTRODUCTION: Acute Pancreatitis (AP) is a serious disease with a high mortality. The main aetiological factors involved in development of AP are alcohol and gallstones. Whether aetiology influences mortality and morbidity in AP is not clarified.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: The aim of the present study was to determine if there was a significant difference in mortality in alcohol or biliary-induced AP. We retrospectively analysed data comprising all patients admitted to our department with a first attack of AP registered in a 5-year period (2000-2004).

RESULTS: A total of 290 patients were included. The 30-day and 1-year mortality risks were 5% and 11% and independent of aetiology. ASA-score and severity of AP had a significant effect on the 30-day mortality risk (OR = 9.2 for ASA-score > 2 and OR = 4.2 for severe AP), while daily use of prescribed medicine and ASA-score had a significant effect on the 1-year mortality risk (OR = 10.4 for medicine and OR = 4.5 for ASA-score > 2). Severe AP was a significant predictor for treatment at the Intensive Care Unit (OR = 26.2), as was daily use of prescribed medicine (OR = 7.3).

CONCLUSION: Our data shows that AP is associated with considerable mortality and that there is no significant difference in mortality in relation to alcohol or biliary aetiology.