Acute pancreatitis in pregnancy and its impact on the maternal and foetal outcomes: A systematic review

Background: The prevalence of AP in pregnancy (APIP) is uncertain with varying reports of its impact on maternal and foetal outcomes. Objectives: This study was aimed to find the prevalence of APIP and its effect on the maternal and foetal outcomes. Search strategy: Electronic databases were searched upto 31.05.2020 for the appropriate studies. Selection criteria: Prospective, retrospective observational studies or case series evaluating APIP in terms of maternal and foetal outcomes were included. Data collection and analysis: Data on the prevalence of APIP, etiology, maternal mortality rates and foetal outcomes were collated. Due to high heterogeneity among the studies, the data has been represented as a systematic review. Results: A total of 16 studies with 8466 pregnant patients were included in the systematic review. The overall prevalence of APIP ranged from 0.225/1000 pregnancies to 2.237/1000 pregnancies. Gallstone disease was the most common cause ranging from 14.29 to 96.3%, with eastern studies reporting more cases of hypertriglyceridemia as etiology. Mild pancreatitis was noted in 33.33-100% of cases with milder disease among western studies. APIP incidence was higher during 3rd trimester (27.27%-95.24%). Maternal mortality ranged from 0 to 12.12/100 pregnancies. Foetal loss ranged from 0 to 23.08%, with adverse foetal outcomes ranging from 0 to 57.41%. Neonatal mortality ranged from 0 to 75.5/1000 neonatal live birth. Conclusion: APIP is usually mild, but its incidence increases with gestational age. Maternal outcome is usually good but adverse foetal outcome is high in APIP (PROSPERO No.: CRD42020194313) (c) 2021 IAP and EPC. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

This study investigated the prevalence of acute pancreatitis in pregnancy (APIP) and its impact on maternal and foetal outcomes. The results showed that APIP is usually mild, but its incidence increases with gestational age. Maternal outcomes are generally good, but APIP is associated with higher rates of adverse foetal outcomes.