Recurrence of Acute Alcoholic Pancreatitis
Recurrence of Acute Alcoholic Pancreatitis
Previously our retrospective study showed that almost half of the patients with acute
 alcoholic pancreatitis had a recurrent attack in the long-term, mild pancreatitis and young
 age being risk factors for recurrence. The aim of this prospective follow-up study was aimed
 to find out the risk factors in detail.
Patients admitted to Tampere University Hospital for first acute alcoholic pancreatitis were
 included. The diagnostic criteria for acute pancreatitis were epigastric pain, serum amylase
 > 3 x upper normal range, elevated serum CRP and signs of acute pancreatitis in imaging.
 Other etiologies were excluded. Alcohol consumption and dependency were detected. Serum and
 fecal markers of the endocrine and exocrine function and secretin stimulated MRCP were
 studied. The patients were followed median 38 (25 - 61) months for the recurrences and had a
 follow up visit at two years to investigate trends in the alcohol consumption.
Inclusion Criteria:

 -  Patients who survived their first acute alcoholic pancreatitis. The diagnostic
 criteria for acute pancreatitis were epigastric pain, serum amylase > 3 x upper normal
 range, elevated serum CRP and signs of acute pancreatitis in imaging. Other etiologies
 were excluded.

 -  High alcohol consumption was detected