Pancreatitis Flashcards
Normal function of the pancreas:
Involves the release of pancreatic enzymes in the duodenum to assist in the digestion of proteins, starches, and fatty acids
T/F food entering the small intestine stimulates release of the pancreatic enzymes; however, in pancreatitis, the pancreatic enzymes are activated early and digest the pancreas and surrounding tissues, a process called auto digestion
True
Auto digestion:
When the pancreatic enzymes are activated early and digest the pancreas and surrounding tissues
Two types of pancreatitis
Acute or chronic
Amylase breaks down
Starch
Lipase breaks down
Fats into glycerol and fatty acids
Acute Pancreatitis:
Inflammatory disorder that involves self destruction of the pancreas by its own enzymes through auto digestion
Acute pancreatitis is most common in:
Middle-age adults
What two issues account for the majority of the cases of acute pancreatitis in the U.S.
Gallstones and Alcholism
Gallstones may activate what:
Pancreatic enzymes within the pancreas, leading to auto digestion, inflammation, edema, and/or necrosis.
Chronic pancreatitis
Characterized by chronic inflammation, fibrosis, and gradual destruction of functional pancreatic tissue.
Is acute pancreatitis reversible
Yes
Is chronic pancreatitis reversible
No
Chronic pancreatitis eventually leads to
Pancreatic insufficiency
What is the primary risk factor for chronic pancreatitis
Alcoholism
What is the world wide risk factor for chronic pancreatitis
Manutrition
What occurs in chronic pancreatitis r/t alcoholism
Increased concentration of insoluble protein, protein calcify, forming plugs that black pancreatic ducts and the flow of pancreatic juices.
Leads in inflammation and fibrosis of tissues
Who is more likely to develop pancreatic cancer
Ethnicity
Men
African Americans
Acute pancreatitis
Clinical manifestations
Severe epigastric and abdominal pain Nausea and vomiting Abdominal distention and rigidity Decreased bowel sounds Tachycardia Hypotension Elevated temp Cold and clammy skin
Acute pancreatitis
Clinical therapies
NPO
IV Hydration
Analgesics
Antibiotics
Chronic Pancreatitis
Clinical Therapies
Low fat diet
Abstaining from alcohol
Surgery to relieve obstruction
Pancreatectomy
Chronic Pancreatitis
Manifestations
Gastric and left upper abdominal pain radiating to the back Anorexia Weight loss Nausea and vomiting Constipation Steatorrhea
Steatorrhea
Fatty, frothy, foul-smelling stools caused by a decrease in pancreatic enzyme secretion
Pain in acute pancreatitis is relieved by
(Somewhat relieved) by sitting up and leaning forward
Pain is often initiated by
Fatty meal or excessive alcohol intake
Diagnostic tests:
Ultrasound Endoscopic ultrasound Contrast enhanced CT scan MRCP ERCP Percutaneous fine-needle aspiration biopsy
Pancreatic enzyme replacement medication
Pancrelipase (Lipancreatin)