Abstract

This is a clinical study of 50 patients of acute pancreatitis admitted to our hospital as an emergency. 40 patients had a positive history of consuming alcohol for periods ranging from 5-20 years with average age of 23 when the patient started drinking alcohol. The quantity of alcohol ranged from 250 ml of hard liquor per day to about 750 ml per day. All 40 patients had a similar low socio-economic background and gave history of consuming country liquor which was cheap and easily available. Most of the patients were in the age group of 20-35 years and worked as daily wage labourers. Out of 50 patients, 49 patients were male and one female. 8 patients had acute bacterial infection and in 2 patients cause for acute pancreatitis could not be determined. All patients presented as acute pain in abdomen with localised gaurding, history of vomiting and fever. All patients underwent standard diagnostic procedures. They were started on IV Antibiotics and supportive treatment.  Octreotide was given to 5 patients out of 50. All patients were discharged in good condition after 15-35 days. Patients with history of alcoholism were counselled before discharge. Out of 50, only 30 patients came back for follow up. 2 of these had developed pseudo-pancreatic cyst.

Keywords: Acute Pancreatitis, alcohol, CT Abdomen, Serum Amylase and Lipase, low socio-economic status.

Reina Khadilkar

Department of Surgery, Dr.DY Patil Medical College,

Hospital and Research Centre, Pimpri, Pune

D Y University