Epidemiology and Prognosis of Acute Pancreatitis

Definition and Etiology

• Acute pancreatitis is an inflammatory process of the pancreas caused by autodigestion with pancreatic digestive enzymes, most commonly triggered by gallstones or excessive alcohol intake. 1

Severity Classification

• Severe acute pancreatitis affects roughly 20 %–30 % of patients and is associated with an overall hospital mortality of about 15 %. 1
• Persistent organ failure lasting more than 48 hours defines the severe form of the disease. 1

Complications and Mortality

• Infection of pancreatic and peripancreatic necrosis occurs in approximately 20 %–40 % of patients with severe acute pancreatitis and is linked to worsening organ dysfunction. 1
• Mortality rates differ by necrosis type:
  • Infected necrosis with organ failure: ≈ 35 % mortality.
  • Sterile necrosis with organ failure: ≈ 20 % mortality. 1