ADVANCES IN ACUTE PANCREATITIS: A REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE

Abstract

Acute pancreatitis is an inflammatory disease of the pancreas, which can progress to a severe form, with a high risk of death. The main causes of acute pancreatitis are migration of gallstones and alcohol abuse. The disease is mainly characterized by inappropriate activation of trypsinogen, infiltration of inflammatory cells and destruction of secretory cells. The severity of pancreatitis is categorized into three levels: mild, moderately severe and severe, depending on organ failure and local and systemic complications. Various methods have been used to predict the severity of AP and its outcome, such as clinical assessment, imaging assessment, and testing of various biochemical markers. The pathophysiological mechanisms of AP have not been fully elucidated and need to be studied further. In this editorial article, we discuss the effectiveness of existing diagnostic and therapeutic modalities, complications, and treatment failure in the management of acute pancreatitis.