Controversias en la terapia nutricional de la pancreatitis aguda grave / Controversies in nutrition therapy of severe acute pancreatitis

La clasificación de la severidad de la pancreatitis aguda ha cambiado con la actualización de Atlanta del 2012. Las recomendaciones de terapia nutricional en los casos de pancreatitis aguda grave no están sustentadas en estudios con alto nivel de evidencia, en los estudios se incluyen pacientes con los diferentes grados de severidad, se usa la clasificación de Atlanta 2002 para definir la pancreatitis aguda grave y, en la mayoría de los estudios experimentales, los controles son pacientes con nutrición parenteral. Se realiza una revisión narrativa de la evidencia actual publicada, analizando las características clínico epidemiológica de los pacientes y los resultados obtenidos. Así, se proponen características que deben ser consideradas en estudios futuros sobre el tema.

The classification of the severity of acute pancreatitis has changed with respect to the Atlanta update of 2012. The recommendations for nutritional therapy in cases of severe acute pancreatitis are not supported by high-level studies, as studies contain a mix of patients with different degrees of severity. The Atlanta 2002 classification is used to define severe acute pancreatitis and, in most of experimental studies, controls are patients with parenteral nutrition. A narrative review of the current published evidence is carried out analyzing the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of the patients in these results and characteristics to be included in future studies are proposed.

Páncreas divisum y pancreatitis: su importancia en la práctica cotidiana / Pancreas divisum and pancreatitis: its importance in everyday practice

Pancreas divisum (PD) is the most common congenital anatomical variant of the pancreas. Its etiological implication in recurrent acute pancreatitis (RAP) and chronic pancreatitis (CP) has been recurrently questioned. Normal anatomy and variants: 80-90% of the population has normal anatomy, with excretion of exocrine pancreatic secretion to the duodenum by the major papilla. Three anatomical variants of PD have been described: classic PD with visible ventral duct, but total absence of fusion; PD with absence of ventral duct; and incomplete PD, with a rudimentary connection between the ventral and dorsal ducts. Clinical implication: This anatomical variant is symptomatic in less than 5% of the carriers, being associated to higher prevalence in patients with RAP However, the relationship between PD and RAP is considered probable, only in cases of association with mutation of the CFTR gene. Obstructive CP can develop in the segment drained by the dorsal duct. Diagnosis: Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) is the most sensitive diagnostic method. Other non-invasive diagnostic methods are endosonography and computed tomography (CT), the latter with lower performance. Treatment: The current trend in acute pancreatitis (AP) where PD is assumed as an etiological factor, is endoscopic resolution, with papillotomy with or without a pancreatic stent.

El páncreas divisum (PD) es la variante anatómica congénita más frecuente del páncreas. Su implicancia etiológica en pancreatitis aguda recurrente (PAR) y pancreatitis crónica (PC) ha sido frecuentemente cuestionada. Anatomía normal y variantes: 80-90% de la población presenta anatomía normal, con salida de secreción pancreática exocrina al duodeno por la papila mayor. Se han descrito 3 variantes anatómicas: PD clásico con conducto ventral visible, pero ausencia total de fusión; PD con ausencia de conducto ventral; y PD incompleto, con conexión rudimentaria entre los conductos ventral y dorsal. Implicancia clínica: Esta variante anatómica da síntomas en menos de 5% de los portadores, asociándose a mayor prevalencia en pacientes con PAR. Sin embargo, se considera probable la relación entre PD y PAR, solo en casos de asociación con mutación del gen CFTR. Pancreatitis crónica (PC) obstructiva se puede desarrollar en el segmento drenado por el conducto dorsal. Diagnóstico: La colangiopancreatografía por resonancia magnética (CPRM) es el método diagnóstico más sensible. Otros métodos diagnósticos no invasivos son la endosonografía y tomografía computada (TC), este último de menor rendimiento. Tratamiento: La tendencia actual en PA donde se asume PD como factor etiológico, es la resolución endoscópica, con papilotomía con o sin stent.

Tratamiento médico de la pancreatitis aguda / Medical treatment of acute pancreatitis

Se revisan los últimos avances en el manejo médico de la pancreatitis aguda. Estos se basan en los cambios que van desde el mayor conocimiento de la fisiopatología y la clínica y el desarrollo de técnicas para el manejo de las complicaciones. El reconocimiento del mal pronóstico dado por la falla persistente de órganos (mayor a 48 horas) y la evolución lenta pero sin severidad de los pacientes con complicaciones locales, ha hecho redefinir la clasificación de la pancreatitis, estratificándose al paciente con cuadros leves, moderados y severos. De los múltiples scores de severidad disponibles para predecir la severidad, APACHE II y BISAP son los que demuestran mayor valor en los trabajos realizados en el Perú. El uso de hidratación enérgica al inicio del cuadro, para evitar el daño a nivel de la microcirculación pancreática, la nutrición enteral precoz cuando se predice un cuadro severo o prolongado, además de la analgesia con narcóticos, son algunas de las medidas que se preconizan en la actualidad. Se discute además la evidencia de realimentar con sólidos en vez de dieta líquida desde el primer día de inicio de dieta a pacientes con pancreatitis leve. Por último se presenta la evidencia del uso de necrosectomía endoscópica como alternativa a la necrosectomía quirúrgica.

We review recent advances in medical management of acute pancreatitis. These are based on changes ranging from increased knowledge of the pathophysiology and clinical development of techniques for the management of complications. The recognition of poor prognosis given persistent organ failure (more than 48 hours) and the slow evolution without severity of patients with local complications, has redefined the classification of pancreatitis, stratifying the patient with mild, moderate and severe. Of the many available severity scores to predict severity, APACHE II and BISAP are demonstrating greater value on work done in Peru. Using vigorous hydration to avoid damage to the pancreatic microcirculation level, early enteral nutrition when it predicts a severe or prolonged disease in addition to narcotic analgesia, are some of the measures advocated in the present. I also discuss the evidence of refeeding with solid rather than liquid diet to patients with mild pancreatitis. Finally, evidence of safety and good outcomes of endoscopic necrosectomy is presented as an alternative to surgical necrosectomy.

Pancreatite na gestação / Pancreatitis in pregnancy

Pancreatite caracteriza-se por processo inflamatório do pâncreas, apresentando ruptura da membrana celular e proteólise tecidual, seguida da ativação de células da resposta imunológica. É uma afecção de amplo espectro clínico e apresenta variadas etiologias. Durante a gestação, merece devida relevância em função da alta morbi-mortalidade que a acompanha. A litíase das vias biliares é o fator etiológico predominante na patogênese da pancreatite aguda durante a gravidez, sendo que as gestantes podem desenvolver pancreatite aguda associada à hiperlipidemia. O diagnóstico clínico é raro e deve ser feito o diagnóstico diferencial com outras patologias. A avaliação lavoratorial é normalmente caracterizada por grandes elevações da amilase sérica, isoamilase pancreática e lipase. O tratamento do quadro de pancreatite aguda durante a gravidez objetiva a redução de estímulos à secreção das enzimas pancreáticas. Diagnóstico precoce e identificação da etiologia aliada à escolha terapêutica adequada asseguram bom prognóstico materno e fetal. A interrupção da gravidez parece não interferir no prognóstico da doença. Objetivou-se, com a presente revisão, abordar aspectos relevantes da pancreatite em gestantes, tais como fisiopatologia, diagnóstico, terapêutica e prognóstico.

Pancreatitis is characterized by inflammation of pancreas, showing disruption of the cell membrane and tissue proteolysis, followed by the activation of cells of immune response. It is a broad clinical spectrum disease and presents varied etiologies. During pregnancy, it deserves importance due to the high morbidity and mortality that accompany it. The lithiasis of the bile is the main etiologic factor in the pathogenesis of acute pancreatitis during pregnancy, and the pregnant women may develop acute pancreatitis associated with hyperlipidemia. Clinical diagnosis is rare and differential diagnosis should be made with other pathologies. The laboratory evaluation is usually characterized by high elevations of serum amylase, pancreatic isoamilase and lipase. The treatment for acute pancreatitis during pregnancy aiming the reduction of stimuli to the secretion of pancreatic enzymes. Early diagnosis and identification of etiology allied to appropriate therapy choice assurance good maternal and fetal prognosis. The interruption of pregnancy does not appear to influence the prognosis of the disease. The objective of this review was to approach relevant aspects of pancreatitis during pregnancy, such as pathophysiology, diagnosis, therapeutics and prognosis.

La nutrición enteral puede mejorar la evolución de la pancreatitis aguda grave? / Can enteral nutriton improve the course of severe acute pancreatitis?

La mayoría de los casos de pancreatitis aguda se presentan como formas leves en las que no se recomienda el soporte nutricional a no ser que los pacientes no puedan reanudar su alimentación oral normal después de 5-7 días. Por el contrario, la pancreatitis grave cursa con estrés metabólico y precisa de soporte nutricional precoz. La nutrición enteral, como parte del tratamiento de la pancreatitis aguda, lleva más de una década. Estudios recientes indican que la nutrición enteral puede mejorar la evolución de la pancreatitis aguda grave, reducir las complicaciones y favorecer una recuperación más rápida de la enfermedad. La inmunonutrición y los probióticos combinados con la nutrición enteral son una alternativa promisoria, pero son necesarios estudios multicéntricos bien diseñados para establecer su rol en la pancreatitis aguda.

Most of acute pancreatitis cases present as mild cases for which nutritional support is not recommended provided the patient is able to restart normal oral intake within 5- days. By contrast, severe pancreatitis associates metabolic stress and requires early nutritional support. The application of enteral feeding as part of the treatment of acute pancreatitis goes back more than a decade now. Recent studies show that enteral nutrition may improve the course of severe acute pancreatitis, reduce its complications and promote a quicker improvement from the disease. Inmunonutrition and probiotics combined with enteral nutrition are a potentially promising alternative, but further well-designed multi-centric trials are necessary to prove their role in the treatment of acute pancreatitis.

Ca2+ signaling in pancreatic acinar cells: physiology and pathophysiology

The pancreatic acinar cell is a classical model for studies of secretion and signal transduction mechanisms. Because of the extensive endoplasmic reticulum and the large granular compartment, it has been possible - by direct measurements - to obtain considerable insights into intracellular Ca2+ handling under both normal and pathological conditions. Recent studies have also revealed important characteristics of stimulus-secretion coupling mechanisms in isolated human pancreatic acinar cells. The acinar cells are potentially dangerous because of the high intra-granular concentration of proteases, which become inappropriately activated in the human disease acute pancreatitis. This disease is due to toxic Ca2+ signals generated by excessive liberation of Ca2+ from both the endoplasmic reticulum and the secretory granules.

Methylene blue improves hemodynamic shock but increases lipoperoxidation in severe acute pancreatitis pig model / Azul de metileno melhora as condições hemodinâmicas do choque circulatório, mas aumenta a peroxidação lipídica em um modelo suino de pancreatite aguda grave

PURPOSE: Study hemodynamic pattern and lipoperoxidation during methylene blue (MB) treatment on taurocholate - enterokinase induced acute pancreatitis (AP). METHODS: Thirty pigs were equally divided in control group; MB group; AP group; MB previous AP group; and MB after 90 min of induced AP group. MB was given iv in a bolus dose (2mg.kg-1) followed by maintenance dose (2 mg.kg-1.h-1). Hemodynamic parameters were recorded continuously during 180 min by Swan-Ganz catheter. Blood samples were taken every 60 min to determine arterial and venous nitrate, malondialdehyde (MDA) and amylase. Pancreatic tissue was removed for histopathologic study. RESULTS: In AP group MBP and CO decreased over time 33 percent (p<0.05) and 52 percent (p<0.05), respectively. In MB previous induced-AP group, there was 70 minutes delay (p<0.05) to decrease MBP and CO. In MB group arterial and venous nitrite decreased (p<0.05) over time. MB infusion increased (p>0.05) serum MDA when associated to AP. After induced AP, MB did not reverse MBP and CO decrease. There was no difference in serum amylase and necro-hemorrhagic findings with MB treatment. CONCLUSIONS: In this taurocholate-induced AP model MB treatment delayed hemodynamic shock and decreases serum nitrate levels but increases serum MDA levels. No volemic replacement was done and it may have been a mitigated factor to a poor tissue perfusion and impairment microcirculation. Further investigations are needed to elucidate MB treatment role during AP treatment.

OBJETIVO: estudar o perfil hemodinâmico e a lipoperoxidação durante o tratamento com azul de metileno (AM) de pancreatite aguda (PA) induzida por taurocolato-enteroquinase. MÉTODOS: Trinta porcos foram igualmente divididos em: grupo controle, grupo AM; grupo PA; grupo AM prévio à PA; grupo AM após 90 minutos após a indução da PA. O AM foi administrado sob a forma de bolus EV (2mg.kg-1) seguido por dose de manutenção (2 mg.kg-1.h-1). Os parâmetros hemodinâmicos foram registrados continuamente durante 180 min com auxílio de cateter de Swan-Ganz. Amostras sanguíneas foram colhidas a cada 60 min para a determinação arterial e venosa de nitrato, malondialdeido (MDA) and amilase. Removeu-se tecido pancreático para estudo histopatológico. RESULTADOS: No grupo PA a pressão arterial media (PAM) e o débito cardíaco (DC) diminuíram respectivamente 33 por cento (p<0.05) e 52 por cento (p<0.05) no decorrer do tempo. No grupo AM prévio à indução da PA ocorreu 70 minutes de demora (p<0.05) para as diminuições da PAM e DC. No grupo AM houve diminuição temporal do nitrato arterial e venoso (p<0.05). A infusão de AM aumentou os valores de MDA sérico quando associado a PA (p>0.05). Após a indução da PA a infusão de AM não reverteu as quedas da PA e DC. Não houve diferenças nos níveis de amilase sérica e achados histológicos com o tratamento com o azul de metileno. CONCLUSÕES: No presente modelo de PA induzida por taurocolato o AM retardou o desenvolvimento do choque circulatório, diminuiu os níveis de nitrato mas aumentou os níveis de MDA. Não se realizou nenhum tipo de reposição volêmica que poderia melhorar a perfusão tecidual e melhora da microcirculação. Investigações adicionais são necessárias para elucidar o papel terapêutico do AM no tratamento da PA aguda.

Oxidative stress is enhanced by hypothermia imposed on cerulein-induced pancreatitis in rats

BACKGROUND: Hypothermia is a frequent event in severe acute pancreatitis (AP) and its real effects on the normal pancreas have not been well demonstrated. Moreover, neither have its effects on the outcome of acute pancreatitis been fully investigated. One hypothesis is that oxidative stress may be implicated in lesions caused or treated by hypothermia. AIM OF THE STUDY: To investigate the effect of hypothermia in cerulein-induced acute pancreatitis (CIAP) in rats and the role played by oxidative stress in this process. METHODS: Male Wistar rats were divided into hypothermic and normothermic groups. Hypothermia was induced with a cold mattress and rectal temperature was kept at 30°C for one hour. Acute pancreatitis was induced with 2 doses of cerulein (20 ìg/kg) administered at a one-hour interval. Serum amylase, pancreas vascular permeability by Evan's blue method, pancreas wet-to-dry weight ratio and histopathology were analyzed in each group. RESULTS: When compared with normothermic rats, hypothermic animals, with cerulein-induced acute pancreatitis, showed higher levels of pancreatic vascular permeability (p < 0.05), pancreas wet-to-dry weight ratio (p = 0.03), and histologically verified edema (p < 0.05), but similar serum amylase levels. The hypothermic group showed a higher oxidized-reduced glutathione ratio than the normothermic group. CONCLUSION: Moderate hypothermia produced a greater inflammatory response in established acute pancreatitis induced by cerulein in rats. Moreover, this study suggests that oxidative stress may be one of the mechanisms responsible for the worse outcome in hypothermic rats with cerulein-induced acute pancreatitis.

BACKGROUND: Hipotermia é um evento freqüente em episódios de pancreatite aguda, contudo seu efeito real sobre pâncreas normal ainda não esta bem demonstrado. Além do mais, o efeito da hipotermia no decorrer da pancreatite aguda também não está completamente esclarecido. Uma das hipóteses sobre as causas das lesões causadas ou tratadas por hipotermia aventa a implicação de estresse oxidativo. OBJETIVOS: Investigar o efeito da hipotermia em ratos com pancreatite aguda induzida por ceruleína e o papel do estresse oxidativo neste processo. MÉTODOS: Ratos Wistar machos foram divididos em grupos hipotérmicos e normotérmicos. Hipotermia foi induzida com uma bolsa gelada de forma que a temperatura retal permanecesse em 30°C por uma hora. Pancreatite aguda foi induzida com duas aplicações de ceruleína (20 ìg/kg) administradas com intervalo de uma hora. A amilase sérica, a permeabilidade vascular do pâncreas, a razão peso seco/peso úmido do pâncreas, a histopatologia e os níveis de glutationa foram analisados em cada grupo. RESULTADOS: Ratos hipotérmicos, com pancreatite aguda induzida por ceruleína, apresentaram maiores níveis de permeabilidade vascular no pâncreas (p < 0.05), razão peso seco/peso úmido do pâncreas (p = 0.03), e edema histológico (p < 0.05), mas os níveis de amilase sérica permaneceram iguais aos níveis apresentados pelos ratos normotérmicos. O grupo hipotérmico apresentou maior relação glutationa oxidada/glutationa reduzida em relação ao grupo normotérmico. CONCLUSÃO: Hipotermia moderada produziu uma maior resposta inflamatória em ratos com pancreatite aguda estabelecida, induzida por ceruleína, sugerindo que este efeito pode estar ligado a um maior índice de estresse oxidativo em ratos com pancreatite aguda.

Cronología y estado actual de las conductas terapéuticas en la pancreatitis aguda / Chronology and current status of the therapy in acute pancreatitis

Un análisis retrospectivo del intrincado curso de las pancreopatías agudas permite evidenciar cambios desde el punto de vista conceptual tanto en aspectos fisiopatológicos como en la historia natural de la enfermedad y en las conductas terapéuticas. Si bien la responsabilidad del factor biliar no se discute, el clásico mecanismo del reflujo bilio-pancreático por canal común es controvertido. En relación a la historia natural, apesar que aún presentan interrogantes algunos aspectos que deben ser redefinidos en el futuro, se acepta la evolución bifásica de la pancreatitis aguda grave, con un período inicial o de ataque y otro tardío en el curso de la 2a o 3a semana, cuando suelen surgir complicaciones sépticas o bien evolucionar hacia la resolución del proceso. .El concepto de respuesta a la injuria o reacción inflamatoria sistemática resulta fundamental para Interpretar las nefastas consecuencias de una conducta quirúrgica mal indicada en la etapa temprana de una pancreatitis grave. De manera esquemático se presentan las distintas conductas terapéuticas en el curso de los años desde la lejana y dogmática cirugía por principio, hasta el momento actual, en que el tratamiento conservador es aceptado por unanimidad en el período crítico inicial de la enfermedad, dejando lugar a la cirugía en la fase de complicaciones sépticas y reactivación o persistencia del síndrome de reacción inflamatoria.

This article realize a retrospective analysis of the course of acute pancreatitis and evidence changes of concepts upon physiopathogenesis aspects, the natural history of the disease and the therapeutic management. The responsability of the biliary factor its accepted but the classic mechanism of the biliopancreatic reflux by common chanel its on discussion. Relativeness to natural history of the acute pancreatitis, however of to remain un known sone aspects to ellucidate on the future, today its accepted the biphasic course of the severe pancreatitis, with one initial period and other tardif, to second or their week, with septic complications or evolution to resolution of process. The concept of systemic inflammatory response syndrome and failure of organ systems (renal insufficiency, pulmonary insufficiency) its essential for interpretation of the ominous consequences of one inopportune surgical approach on the early period, associated with high mortality. One schematic personnel square present the different therapeutics procedures along the years, from the distant and dogmatic surgery for principle, until the actual moment where the conservative attitude its of unanimous acquiescence on critic period of disease. The surgery its indicated on second phase, with developing of septic complications, reactivation or persistence of systemic inflammatory response syndrome with increasing severity of pancreatitis.

Tratamento clínico e cirúrgico da pancreatite biliar aguda / The clinic and surgical treatment of acute gallstone pancreatitis

Pancreatite Aguda (PA) é patologia relativamente comum, que na maioria das vezes evolui de forma benigna, mas em cerca de 10-20 por cento dos casos pode manifestar-se de forma severa, levando à alta morbimortalidade. Sua estratificação em riscos, bem como sua abordagem terapêutica, permanecem como um desafio ao clínico ou cirurgião. O objetivo dessa revisão bibliográfica é discutir a fisiopatologia, diagnóstico, classificação clínica e, principalmente, o tratamento da Pancreatite Blliar Aguda (PBA), a mais freqüente em nosso meio

Local and global Ca2+ signals: physiology and pathophysiology

The pancreatic acinar unit is a classical example of a polarized tissue. Even in isolation, these cells retain their polarity, and this has made them particularly useful for Ca2+ signaling studies. In 1990, we discovered that this cell has the capability of producing both local cytosolic and global Ca2+ signals. The mechanisms underlying this signal generation have now been established. Furthermore, it has become clear that the local signals are sufficient for the control of both fluid and enzyme secretion, whereas prolonged global signals are dangerous and give rise to acute pancreatitis, a disease where the pancreas digests itself.

An Analysis on the Amount of Excreted Pancreatic Juice after Pancreatoduodenectomy / 대한소화기학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: There has been lack of data on the secretion of the pancreatic juice after pancreatoduodenectomy. Thus, surgeons have difficulties in predicting the clinical sequences of pancreaticojejunostomy leakage or other pancreatic surgery. METHODS: This study employed 15 patients who underwent pylorus-preserving pancreatoduodenectomy (PPPD) with total external drainage of the pancreatic duct from January 2000 to June 2001. RESULTS: These patients were divided into the normal pancreas group (n=11) and chronic pancreatitis- accompanied group (n=4). Excretion of pancreatic juice was suppressed in a few days after PPPD. Then, it gradually increased and became constant at the postoperative day 4. The amount of excreted pancreatic juice in the normal pancreas group was 229 +/- 99, 85~385 (mean, range) mL/day at the postoperative day 7 before the initiation of oral intake, and was increased to 314 +/- 222, 110~910 (mean, range) mL/day at the 7th day after the initiation of food intake. The usage of octreotide during early fasting period had no influence on the excretion of the pancreatic juice in the normal pancreas group. CONCLUSIONS: We observed the real amount of secreted pancreatic juice after PPPD. These data may be helpful to interpret and manage the postoperative conditions such as pancreatic leakage or pancreatic exocrine insufficiency.

Etiopatogenia y fisiopatología de la pancreatitis / Etiology and fisiopathology of pancreatitis

La pancreatitis es una enfermedad por múltiples causas entre las que se puede mencionar las obstructivas, las tóxicas, las traumáticas, las iatrogénicas y las infecciosas, entre otras. A pesar de que se conoce los factores desencadenantes y las diferentes hipótesis y teorías que se han desarrollado desde hace más de un siglo a partir de estos factores conocidos, aún no se ha podido explicar como estos factores inician el proceso fisiopatológico de la enfermedad. En esta revisión se resume la etiopatogenia y la fisiología de la pancreatitis aguda crónica

Lúpus eritematoso sistêmico: vasculite necrosante, tipo poliarterite nodoso, determinando pancreatite crônica / Systemic lupus erythematous: necrotizing vasculitis, polyarteritis nodosa-like

O LES afeta múltiplo orgäos e sistemas. Lesäo pancreática é rara, ocorrendo geralmente associada à doença com intensa atividade e envolvimento de vários orgäos. Relatamos um caso de paciente de 27 anos que foi ao óbito após um quadro de dor abdominal e hiperamilasemia. Na autopsia, observamos vasculite sistêmica necrosante, do tipo poliarterite nodosa, comprometendo particularmente o pâncreas e determinando pancreatite crônica calcificante. Os autores discutem a evoluçäo incomum e o papel da vasculite na patogênese das lesöes pancreáticas no LES

Pancreatitis aguda biliar: una revisión eteiopatogénica y evolutiva de 148 casos / Biliary acute pancreatitis: an etiopathology and evolution review of 148 cases

BACKGROUND: A retrospective analysis of de etiologic factors and fisiopathogenic mechanisms underlyng an acute biliar pancreatitis episode put in evidence the complexity of the attempt to acquire a clear understanding of the entity. In this presentation the authors try to re-examine the main factors involved in the triggering of the disease. Beasides the clasic theories and their own approach to the management of an acute pancreatic inflammation episode are discussed. AIMS: The main purpose of this endeavor was to identify and discuss the etiopahogenic machanisms that were prevalent in a series of 148 patients observed and trated in a 10 years period. Besides, another distinctive aim was to analyze their evolution and somehow to try to assess their probable prognosis. PLACE OF APPLICATION: Close comunity. POPULATION: The whole group of patients that were admitted with the diagnosis of acute pancreatitis in the time period comprised between 1987-1997. METHODS: The acute pancreatitis subgroups and their respective number of patient included were the following: BILIARY ACUTE PANCREATITIS 140 CASES POST ERCP 8 CASES CONCLUSIONS: As a result of the present reviewing endeaveur several observations deserve to be pointed out: a. The pancreatic gland undoubtedly is a neuroendocrine organ, that is subjeted to complex neural and hormonal influence. b. Undeniably, the involvement of the autonomic nervous system in the physiopathogenic mechanism of acute pancreatitis has been surprisingly disregarded. c. The biliary acute pancreatitis variant is the most frequent. What we consider a simplification is to accept the Opie's postulation without taking into account the intermediate steps, centered on autonomic reflexes, that ultimately lead to the acute inflammatory lesions. d. Although without an absolute proof, it is undeniable that "stress" is a primary etiologie in some cases of acute pancreatitis. e. We favor the idea that the pancreon's functional status influences on the extension and intensity degree of the acute pancreatic inflammatory lesions.

Diabetes mellitus secundaria: caso clínico y revisión de la literatura / Secondary diabetes mellitus: a clinical case and literature review

Se reporta el caso de un paciente masculino con más de cincuenta años de edad con pancreatitis crónica posalcohol y calcificaciones en el conducto de Wirsung. Se analizó su diabetes mellitus tipo 2 y se descubrieron los aspectos clínicos característicos del padecimiento: pancreatitis crónica, sensibilidad exagerada a la insulina, mayor hipoglucemia, esteatorea y desnutrición