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300 Longwood Avenue
Boston, MA 02115
(617) 355-6000
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My Child Has:
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Pancreatitis
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Pancreatitis is a rare disease in which the pancreas (a large gland behind the stomach that plays a key role in digestion) becomes inflamed. Damage to the gland occurs when digestive enzymes that normally help break down fats, proteins and carbohydrates begin attacking the pancreas.
In severe cases, there may be bleeding into the gland, serious tissue damage, infection, and cysts. Enzymes and toxins may enter the bloodstream and seriously injure organs, such as the heart, lungs, and kidney.
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Pancreatitis in childhood is rarely related to gall stones or acoholism, which tend to characterize the adult form of the disease. Childhood pancreatitis is most often the result of traumatic injury to the abdomen. It is also sometimes related to the use of certain perscription drugs, the presence of excess fat in the blood (hyperlipidemia), and it is sometimes inherited. Rarely, the disease may result from infections such as the mumps or mononucleosis
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Pancreatitis in childhood is rarely related to gall stones or acoholism, which tend to characterize the adult form of the disease. Childhood pancreatitis is most often the result of traumatic injury to the abdomen. It is also sometimes related to the use of certain perscription drugs, the presence of excess fat in the blood (hyperlipidemia), and it is sometimes inherited. Rarely, the disease may result from infections such as the mumps or mononucleosis
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The following are some of the symptoms of pancreatitis:
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- severe pain in the upper abdomen
- sometimes pain in the back or other areas
- swollen and tender abdomen
- nausea, vomiting
- fever
- increased pulse rate.
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If your child's doctor suspects pancreatitis, you can expect a series of blood tests. The doctor will be looking for abnormally high levels of amylase (a digestive enzyme formed in the pancreas) and changes in blood levels of calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, bicarbonate, sugar and fats.
A combination of the following imaging studies are often used to aid in diagnosing pancreatitis:
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- abdominal ultrasound (Also called sonography.) - a diagnostic imaging technique which uses high-frequency sound waves and a computer to create images of blood vessels, tissues, and organs. Ultrasounds are used to view internal organs as they function, and to assess blood flow through various vessels.
- computed tomography scan (Also called CT or CAT scan.) - a diagnostic imaging procedure that uses a combination of x-rays and computer technology to produce cross-sectional images (often called slices), both horizontally and vertically, of the body. A CT scan shows detailed images of any part of the body, including the bones, muscles, fat, and organs. CT scans are more detailed than general x-rays.
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The treatment for your child's pancreatitis depends heavily on the extent of the damage and any complications. Unless complications occur, pancreatitis usually gets better on its own. Your child will probably go into the hospital and the doctor will prescribe fluids by vein to restore blood volume. The kidneys and lungs may be treated to prevent failure of those organs.
Your child may have to have surgery if there are complications, such as the formation of cysts, bleeding, infection or intractable pain. Surgery is sometimes needed for the doctor to be able to rule out other abdominal problems that can resemble pancreatitis.
Sometimes a patient cannot control vomiting and needs to have a tube through the nose to the stomach to remove fluid and air. In mild cases, the patient may not have food for 3 or 4 days but is given fluids and pain relievers by vein. An acute attack usually lasts only a few days. In severe cases, the patient may be fed through the veins for 3 to 6 weeks while the pancreas slowly heals. Antibiotics may be given if signs of infection arise.
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With prompt medical treatment, pancreatitis will completely resolve on its own, with no lasting consequences. Your child's doctor will want to determine the cause and try to prevent future attacks. In some patients, such as those who have suffered from injury, the cause of the attack is clear, but in others further tests need to be done.
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The information on this website should not be taken as medical advice,
which can only be given to you by your personal health care professional. |
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Copyright © Children's Hospital Boston. All rights reserved. |
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