Incidence and etiology of pancreatitis among alcoholic and non-alcoholic patients

Introduction: Etiology of Pancreatitis continues to stir up controversy. The incidence of acute pancreatitis has been reported to vary around the world in different studies. The etiological profile of pancreatitis may be different in different parts of the world and it is therefore important that experiences from different parts of the country be recorded. Alcohol was once thought to be most common etiology. Recent studies in western countries show that non-alcoholic causes include more than 50% of causes of pancreatitis. Aim: The aim this study was to know the etiological factors of pancreatitis and to compare the serum amylase, lipase levels in alcoholic and non- alcoholic patients. Materials and methods: This was a prospective observational study conducted in Gandhi Medical College and Hospital, Secunderabad from December 2012 to November 2014 with duration of 2 years. 75 patients were included in this study according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. Detailed history along with physical examination and laboratory investigations for confirmation of diagnosis and etiology were done. Results: In the present study, out of 75 cases, 40 had significant history of alcohol consumption, while 35 were found to be non-alcoholics. The age group of patients in our study was from 18yrs to 62 years. 20 out of 45 alcoholics were less than 40 years old while 21 out of 35 non alcoholics were less than 40 years old. Out of the 75 cases, 51 were males while 24 were females. In our study alcohol causes pancreatitis in 60% of the cases while non-alcoholic causes of pancreatitis included 40% of cases. Mean amylase, mean lipase and amylase: lipase ratio values were raised more in alcoholics than non-alcoholics. Recurrent pancreatitis was also observed in alcoholics than non-alcoholics. Conclusion: Within limitations of this study, concluded that alcohol remains to be most common cause of pancreatitis in south India (Telangana), incidence of recurrent pancreatitis was significantly high in alcoholics and Serum lipase: amylase ratio more in alcoholics than non-alcoholics.