Differences between the outcome of recurrent acute pancreatitis and acute pancreatitis

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Overall, a handful of studies are available on the outcomes of recurrent acute pancreatitis (RAP), in comparison to the first episode of acute pancreatitis (AP). We aimed to provide a more complete and updated picture of RAP and how it is different from the initial episode of AP. METHODS: Consecutive patients admitted with an episode of AP over 8 years were divided into two groups on the basis of prior episodes: AP and RAP. Primary outcome measures were for surgical necrosectomy and mortality. RESULTS: Of the 724 patients (age 39.22 ± 13.25 years, 68% male) with an episode of pancreatitis, 632 (87.3%) had presented with a first episode (AP) and 92 (12.7%) with at least one prior episode (RAP). The incidence of severe pancreatitis was significantly less in RAP patients (10.9%) in comparison to AP patients (48.6%). The requirement of surgical intervention and mortality were less in patients with RAP (1.1 and 2.2%, respectively) compared to patients with AP (9.3 and 18%, respectively). The mean number of episodes per RAP patients was 2.97 ± 1.66 (range 2–10), and 64.1% had only two episodes. Regarding the etiology of RAP patients, biliary etiology (32.6%) and alcohol (30.4%) were the two most frequent factors, and no etiology could be identified in 19.6%. CONCLUSION: Patients with RAP had milder disease course and lesser mortality when compared to the initial episode of AP. Appropriate evaluation and dealing with etiological factors at the initial episode of AP can prevent a majority of RAP.