Biliary Sludge: A Risk Factor for 'Idiopathic' Pancreatitis?. (1st October 1996)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Marotta, Paul J; Gregor, James C; Taves, Donald H
• Is Part Of: Canadian Journal of Gastroenterology. Volume 10:Number 6(1996)
• Page Start: 385
• Page End: 388
• Publication Date: 1996-10-01
• Subjects: Alcohol -- Bile -- Cholelithiasis -- Etiology -- Idiopathic pancreatitis -- Pancreatitis -- Sludge
• DOI: 10.1155/1996/107353
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0835-7900

Abstract

Abstract : Idiopathic acute pancreatitis is common. Recent evidence suggests that biliary sludge may be the etiology in many patients with this disorder. In this case-control study, admission ultrasound examinations of patients with idiopathic pancreatitis, patients with acute alcohol-associated pancreatitis and a control group were compared. Biliary sludge was found in seven of 21 patients (33%) with idiopathic pancreatitis, two of 25 (8%) with acute alcohol-associated pancreatitis and one of 63 controls (1.6%). Comparison of idiopathic pancreatitis patients with both acute alcohol-associated pancreatitis patients and controls for the presence of sludge revealed odds ratios of 31.0 (95% CI 3.5 to 273) and 5.8 (95% CI 1.1 to 32.0), respectively. Also observed was a trend towards higher levels of liver enzymes, bilirubin and amylase in patients with idiopathic pancreatitis who had sludge identified. This study provides further evidence linking biliary sludge with a significant proportion of patients with idiopathic acute pancreatitis.