Extra-pancreatic manifestations reported in association with pancreatitis; an international survey report

by Chinenye R. Dike, Qin (Kiki) Sun, Lola Rahib, Megan Golden, Maisam Abu-El-Haija

Local and systemic manifestations have been reported in association with pancreatitis, anecdotally. However, a systematic collection on the prevalence of each of these symptoms in pancreatitis is lacking. We aimed to determine the prevalence of symptoms and diagnoses reported by a cohort of patients with pancreatitis, refer to as “extra pancreatic manifestation of pancreatitis”.

Cross-sectional study approved by the IRB and administered through a REDCap survey by “Mission: Cure”, a nonprofit organization.

Of the 225 respondents analyzed; 89% were adults, 69% females, 89% Caucasians with 74% residing in the USA. 42% of children and 50% of adults reported exocrine pancreatic insufficiency while 8% of children and 26% of adults reported DM. Type 3c DM was reported in all children and 45% of adult DM cases. Children were diagnosed with genetic or hereditary pancreatitis more frequently compared to adults (33.3% versus 8%; p = <0.001). Significantly more symptoms and diagnoses were reported by adults when compared to children including nighttime sweats, bloating, or cramping, greasy or oily stools, feeling cold and GERD with p values of 0.002, 0.006, 0.046, 0.002 and 0.003 respectively.

Adults with pancreatitis frequently report symptoms not known to be associated with pancreatitis. Studies investigating mechanisms for these associated symptoms should be explored.