Case Study: What Is Chronic Pancreatitis?

Chronic pancreatitis
What is chronic pancreatitis?
Chronic pancreatitis is a medical condition characterized by long term repetitive pancreatic injury and inflammation, which ultimately results in pancreatic fibrosis and dysfunction. The most common cause is chronic alcohol use. The pancreas is a critical organ that has both endocrine (hormonal) and exocrine (enzymatic) function. Islet cells in the pancreas generate important hormones such as insulin and glucagon. The pancreas also releases digestive enzymes such as lipases, amylases, and proteases – this are essential for proper digestion and nutrition.
In chronic pancreatitis, the normal functions of the pancreas are impaired. Loss of insulin synthesis and secretion can result in diabetes

In addition, prealbumin, vitamin B12, folate, and vitamin D levels will likely be obtained if you show signs of malnutrition.
CT scan of the abdomen is frequently obtained to search for causes of chronic abdominal pain, evaluate for features of chronic pancreatitis, and asses for complications such as pancreatic cancer. Chronic pancreatitis typically appears as a shrunken pancreas with multiple calcifications.
How is chronic pancreatitis treated?
The treatment of chronic pancreatitis involves a combination of preventing progression, pain control, and correction of pancreatic insufficiency. Patients are encouraged to avoid alcohol and tobacco use as these are known risk factors for pancreatitis. They are also instructed to eat small meals and avoid diets high in fat as these can exacerbate abdominal pain.
Pancreatic enzyme supplements are typically required in patients that do not respond to the aforemenionted conservative measures. These agents contain enzymes such as lipase, amylase, and protease. They are important because they may reduce abdominal pain and the risk of malabsorption and nutritional deficiencies. The most commonly prescribed therapies include:
• Pancreaze
• Creon
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• The most common cause is chronic alcohol use.
• In chronic pancreatitis, loss of insulin can result in diabetes mellitus. Decreased release of digestive enzymes may lead to impaired digestion and malabsorption.
• The diagnosis is made based on history, physical examination, laboratory studies, and abdominal imaging. CT scan of the abdomen typically shows pancreatic calcifications.
• Patients should avoid alcohol and tobacco. They should also eat small meals and avoid diets high in fat as these can exacerbate abdominal pain and diarrhea.
• Pancreatic enzyme supplements are commonly prescribed, including Pancreaze, Creon, and Zenpep.
• Pancreatic enzymes are typically given with proton-pump inhibitors, including Prilosec (omeprazole), Protonix (pantoprazole), and Prevacid (lansoprazole).
• Histamine 2 receptor blockers such as Zantac (ranitidine) and Pepcid (famotidine) are sometimes used as a substitute to proton pump inhibitors.
• Pain is often controlled with NSAIDS such as Advil (Ibuprofen) and Naprosyn (naproxen). Your doctor may also prescribe opiates such as Codeine, Vicodin (hydrocodone-acetaminophen), or Oxycontin