Acute Pancreatitis Research Paper
Pancreatitis
Acute pancreatitis refers to the inflammation of the pancreas, an organ that lies in the back of the mid-abdomen. The function of the pancreas is to produce digestive juices and certain hormones, including insulin. Although the etiology and pathogenesis is unknown, the disease has been intensively investigated for centuries. Acute pancreatitis is usually a mild disease that does not lead to complications and requires only minor medical care. However a small population, about 20 percent, becomes critically ill requiring intensive medical treatment (Wang, Gao, Wei, Wang, and Ding, 2009).
Etiology/Pathogenesis
Many causes of acute pancreatitis have been discovered; but the pathogenic theory remains controversial (Wang, Gao, Wei, Wang, and Ding, 2009). One function of the pancreas is to aid in food digestion by …show more content…
It is essential to determine the underlying cause and, if possible, treat that to prevent a recurrence. Recurrence can damage the pancreas leading to chronic pancreatitis. Scar tissue may form causing loss of function. Lab work to obtain and monitor: amylase, lipase, WBC, C-reative protein. A CT scan is vital and should be repeated if the patient's condition warrants.
The goals of treatment of acute pancreatitis are to stop the auto-digestion, alleviate pancreatic inflammation and to correct the underlying cause. Treatment usually requires hospitalization for at least a few days.
Mild pancreatitis usually resolves with simple supportive care; which entails monitoring, drugs to control pain, and intravenous fluids. Patients are often kept NPO until nausea and vomiting have decreased.
Moderate to severe pancreatitis requires more extensive monitoring and supportive care in an ICU (Mayo Clinic, n.d.). Severe pancreatitis can lead to potentially life-threatening complications.
Treatments:
Intravenous
Acute pancreatitis refers to the inflammation of the pancreas, an organ that lies in the back of the mid-abdomen. The function of the pancreas is to produce digestive juices and certain hormones, including insulin. Although the etiology and pathogenesis is unknown, the disease has been intensively investigated for centuries. Acute pancreatitis is usually a mild disease that does not lead to complications and requires only minor medical care. However a small population, about 20 percent, becomes critically ill requiring intensive medical treatment (Wang, Gao, Wei, Wang, and Ding, 2009).
Etiology/Pathogenesis
Many causes of acute pancreatitis have been discovered; but the pathogenic theory remains controversial (Wang, Gao, Wei, Wang, and Ding, 2009). One function of the pancreas is to aid in food digestion by …show more content…
It is essential to determine the underlying cause and, if possible, treat that to prevent a recurrence. Recurrence can damage the pancreas leading to chronic pancreatitis. Scar tissue may form causing loss of function. Lab work to obtain and monitor: amylase, lipase, WBC, C-reative protein. A CT scan is vital and should be repeated if the patient's condition warrants.
The goals of treatment of acute pancreatitis are to stop the auto-digestion, alleviate pancreatic inflammation and to correct the underlying cause. Treatment usually requires hospitalization for at least a few days.
Mild pancreatitis usually resolves with simple supportive care; which entails monitoring, drugs to control pain, and intravenous fluids. Patients are often kept NPO until nausea and vomiting have decreased.
Moderate to severe pancreatitis requires more extensive monitoring and supportive care in an ICU (Mayo Clinic, n.d.). Severe pancreatitis can lead to potentially life-threatening complications.
Treatments:
Intravenous