Pediatric Pancreatitis

Educational Gaps 1. The incidence of acute pancreatitis has increased in pediatric patients over the past two decades, approaching the incidence in adults. 2. While pancreatic rest, antiemetics, analgesia, fluid support, and monitoring for complications remain the mainstays of acute pancreatitis management, clinicians should know that approaches to pancreatic rest and fluid management have changed, as have long-time teachings on the use of opiods and the institution of nutrition. Objectives After completing this article, readers should be able to: 1. Differentiate between acute and chronic pancreatitis. 2. Know how to diagnose acute pancreatitis. 3. List common causes for acute, recurrent, and chronic pancreatitis. 4. Explain the utility of clinical symptoms, biochemical testing, and radiographic imaging in diagnosing acute and chronic pancreatitis. 5. Understand the management of acute pancreatitis and chronic pancreatitis.