LETHAL PANCREATITIS

  • 1 January 1983
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 78  (12) , 810-814
Abstract
Thirty-two patients died of pancreatitis and its complications over a 10-yr period. Infection (bacteremia, fungemia or pancreatic abscess) was the major cause of death in 80%. In the remaining 20%, refractory hypotension or respiratory failure was the lethal mechanism. In only 78% of patients was the correct diagnosis made before death. Ninety-four percent of those who died did so during their 1st clinical episode of pancreatitis. Prophylactic antibodies did not prevent the development of pancreatic abscesses, and organisms resistant to the antibiotics used often became the primary pathogens. Certain prognostic factors reliably separated those who died from those who lived. Peritoneal lavage and dialysis may be helpful in both the early diagnosis and therapy of severe acute pancreatitis.