Recurrent Pancreatitis in Children: Past, Present, and Future.

Recurrent acute and chronic pancreatitis are increasingly recognized in childhood. Etiologies are vastly different in children compared with adults and mostly involve genetic and anatomical factors with negligible contribution of environmental risks. Pediatric acute recurrent pancreatitis (ARP) and chronic pancreatitis (CP) have significant impact on quality of life with high healthcare costs. Children with these conditions suffer from recurrent acute or chronic abdominal pain and they endure multiple emergency room visits, hospitalizations, procedures, and surgeries. Diagnostic methods are being developed; treatment options are limited. This review summarizes the most recent developments in pediatric ARP and CP. These discoveries will help physicians provide optimal care for children with these conditions.