Acute Pancreatitis

Question 1

what is acute pancreatitis

Answer 1

inflammation of the pancreas

Question 2

what is causing the inflammation in an acute pancreatitis

Answer 2

exocrine components produce enzymes that are targeting structural components of the pancreas

Question 3

how does it go away

Answer 3

usually self limiting

Question 4

what is the main cause of acute pancreatitis

Answer 4

alcohol abuse is the main cause of acute pancreatitis (70%)

Question 5

other etiologic factors to acute pancreatitis

Answer 5

idiopathic
gallstones
trauma
drugs

Question 6

What do pancreatic enzymes need

Answer 6

the presence of bile

Question 7

where are the activated

Answer 7

in the duodenum

Question 8

Patho

Answer 8

bile flow obstruction (gallstone?) so bile makes its way to the pancreas = premature activation of pancreatic enzymes = enzymatic damage to the pancreas (auto digestion)
leads to hemorrhage and necrosis

Question 9

what is alcohols impact on an acute pancreatitis

Answer 9

alcohol increases pancreatic sections and constricts the sphincter of Oddi to the duodenum
bile secretions meet at the sphincter
activation of enzymes occur here

Question 10

Manifestations

Answer 10

acue onset
after big meal/ alcohol binge
abdominal pain that radiates (eliminate MI)
massive third spacing (ascites)
hypovolema (decrease volume in the vasculature) = vasculature collapse and shock
severe: systemic = life threatening

Question 11

Diagnosis

Answer 11

test for amylase and lipase in the blood

- specifically lipase as salivary glands produce amylase

Question 12

Treatment

Answer 12

mild:
NPO (decrease bile secretion and production and pancreatic enzyme secretion)
pain
fluid electrolytes
correct metabolic abnormalities (insulin?)

Severe:
renal support
circulatory support
hepatobiliary support
pain
surgical intervention (remove stone causing obstruction)