AIMS: This multi-centre prospective observational study aims to improve the knowledge regarding epidemiology of chronic pancreatitis (CP). METHODS: All patients for this study were deemed eligible based on the diagnosis of CP using imaging tests. 809 patients were included between 1/9/2014 and 31/8/2015. Data gathered included epidemiological, etiological items as well as CP complications (exocrine and endocrine insufficiency, pain) and type of treatment received. RESULTS: The majority of patients were male (74%) and were out-patients (69%). The median age of onset of symptoms was 47 (38-47) years; at the time of inclusion the median duration of the disease was 7 (3-13) years and the median Izbicki pain score (IPS) was 96 (0-195). The main etiological risk factors according to the TIGARO classification system were alcohol and tobacco (67%) followed by idiopathic causes in 19% of cases. Current alcohol drinkers had a lower BMI (21 vs 25 kg/m2, P < 0.001), a higher IPS (121 vs 90, P < 0.001) and higher inability to work. Similarly, active smoking was linked to lower BMI (21 vs 25 kg/m2, P < 0.0001) and higher IPS (137 vs 82, P < 0.001). Endocrine and exocrine insufficiencies were reported in 41% and 36% respectively. Patients with a BMI <20 kg/m2 had significantly more exocrine insufficiency (44 vs 34 %), weight loss (32% vs 16%), experienced increased pain levels (IPS: 146 vs 75) and included more smokers (78% vs 46%) and alcohol drinkers (30 vs 15 %), (P < 0.001). Highest IPS were reported in patients ongoing endoscopy with or without surgery, 244/400 and 163/ 400 respectively. Of the 15% of patients who had previously had surgery, 25% amongst them had initial surgery without previous endoscopic treatment. CONCLUSIONS: This national Belgian study on 809 CP patients could provide a useful tool to emphasize the management of these patients in terms of complications and treatment.
Fernandez, M., Arvanitakis, M., Musala, C., Deviere, J., van Steenbergen, W., Putzeys, V., Ausloos, F., Bastens, B., Gast, P., Roeyen, G., Cesmeli, E., Scheers, I., Delhaye, M., & Deprez, P. (2017). The belgian national registry on chronic pancreatitis: A prospective multicentre study covering more than 800 patients in 1 year. Digestive Endoscopy, 29, 29-261. https://doi.org/10.1111/den.12775 (Original work published 2017)