Pancreatitis

Question 1

What is pancreatitis?

Answer 1

Defined as inflammation of the pancreas
The pancreas is a very sensitive structure that is crucial to the regulation of blood sugars and the difestion of nutrients

Question 2

What are the most common causes of pancreatitis?

Answer 2

Alcoholic pancreatitis
Gallstones which can obstruct the ampulla of vater causing impaired extrusion of enzymes into the duodenum

Question 3

What are the signs and symptoms of pancreatitis?

Answer 3

Abrupt onset within minutes of epigastric abdominal pain
steady boring severe abdominal pain that is made worse with walking alying supine
many patients describe feeling relief with sitting upright and leadning forward
pain typically radiates to the back
mild jaundice is common
nausea and vomiting almost always present
grey turner and cullens sign in sever disease

Question 4

What is the gold standard markers for pancreatitis?

Answer 4

Leukocytosis 10000-30000
Elevated syrum lipase is diagnostic

Question 5

What does amylase do?

Answer 5

Helps you digest carbohydrates

Question 6

What does lipase do?

Answer 6

Helps you digest fats

Question 7

Is pancreatitis disqualifying for sub duty?

Answer 7

Yes

Question 8

What should the treatment for pancreatitis be?

Answer 8

Aggressive IV therapy at 5-10ml/kg/hr initially until stabilized
Pain control ketoralac 15-30mg

Question 9

?Where is lipase created

Answer 9

The pancreas