Retrospective Evaluation of Clinical and Biochemical Data in Patients with Pancreatic Conditions

Abstract

Background: Pancreatic inflammation, also known as pancreatitis, occurs when exocrine pancreatic enzymes infiltrate the pancreas and cause pathological inflammation. Each case of acute pancreatitis is associated with a subset of causes, indicating the presence of known risk factors. Objectives: This paper aims to identify the common causes of pancreatitis and the factors affecting hospitalization and survival at the study site. Methods: Data were collected from the hospital information systems (HIS) using the K85 code from the International Statistical Classification of Diseases 10 (ICD10) at a referral center in Ahvaz, Iran. Demographic information, comorbidities, laboratory parameters, and paraclinical information such as ultrasound documents and reports were gathered. The study focuses on demonstrating the common causes of pancreatitis and factors impacting hospitalization and survival rates from 2017 to 2020. Results: During this period, 84 patients were admitted. The highest number of admissions occurred in 2020, with the majority of patients being 40 - 60 years old, and women constituting a larger proportion. In total, 85.7% of patients were hospitalized for less than 10 days. About 92% were discharged with follow-up advice, while the rest were discharged against medical advice (DAMA). No deaths were recorded during this period due to pancreatitis. Conclusions: The most common comorbidities in this study were gallstones, sludge, and a BMI exceeding 30. Additionally, elevated levels of glucose, creatinine, amylase, and lactate dehydrogenase were associated with prolonged hospitalization.