Pancreatitis

Within the body, an organ called the pancreas plays a critical role in digestion and nutrition. It secretes digestive enzymes to help the body break down fats and carbohydrates and also regulates and releases insulin to control the level of blood sugars (glucose).

Pancreatitis is an inflammation in the pancreas and occurs when the digestive enzymes are activated somehow while still in the organ, which irritates the cells and lining. Normally the enzymes activate after leaving the pancreas and flow into the small intestine.

Pancreatitis can be an acute event that lasts for a short period of time or it can develop into a chronic condition that causes scarring inside the pancreas. The pancreas loses its functional ability, which can lead to significant digestive problems, diabetes or organ failure. The condition also can be hereditary.

Symptoms of Pancreatitis

Acute pancreatitis can start with mild symptoms and then progress. In children, they may develop sudden, severe abdominal pain along with nausea or vomiting. In some cases, they can develop a rapid heart rate or fever. Jaundice, or yellowing of the skin, also may be noticed.

There are some medical conditions that can cause pediatric pancreatitis, such as:

• Cystic fibrosis
• Gallstones
• Abdominal injury
• Obesity
• Infections
• Overactive parathyroid gland
• Excessive calcium levels or triglycerides in the blood
• Pancreatic cancer

Treatment Options

Treatment options for acute pancreatitis revolve around “resting” the pancreas so it can heal. Children will receive fluids and nutrients via an IV in addition to pain and anti-nausea medications and/or antibiotics. Usually, children get better within a few days.

Chronic pancreatitis requires long-term management, both to determine the cause and then to support the role of the pancreas. That means medications may be given to replace enzymes if the pancreas no longer manufactures them. In severe cases, children may be placed on specialized nutrition therapy called total parenteral nutrition (TPN) that enables children to receive proper nutrients, vitamins and fluids through a tube.

If gallstones block the pancreatic duct (or bile duct), doctors may prescribe medicine or have to go inside to remove the gallstones. Finally, if glucose levels are an ongoing concern, children may have to be given insulin shots to control the body’s blood sugar level.

Surgery is an option if other treatments fail to give relief. In rare cases, a pancreas transplant may be needed.

At SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital, we have gastroenterologists who specialize in the treatment of pancreatitis. Our team is recognized by U.S. News & World Report as among the best in the country for the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases and disorders.