Clinical features of recurrent biliary pancreatitis and its predisposing factors

Objective To investigate the clinical features of recurrent biliary pancreatitis and related predisposing factors. Methods A total of 272 patients with biliary pancreatitis who were admitted and treated in Jiangbei District People's Hospital from January 2008 to December 2014 were enrolled and divided into recurrence group( 56 patients with recurrent biliary pancreatitis) and primary group( 216 patients with primary biliary pancreatitis). Clinical features and predisposing factors were compared between the two groups. Comparison of continuous data between the two groups was made by t test and comparison of categorical date was made by chi- square test. Results There were no significant differences in age and mortality between the two groups( both P > 0. 05). Compared with the primary group,the recurrence group had a significantly higher proportion of males,a significantly increased APACHE- Ⅱ score,significantly increased incidence rates of moderate- to- severe pancreatitis and common bile duct stones,significantly higher rates of stenosis of the common bile duct orifice and hyperlipidemia,and a significantly higher rate of surgical treatment( all P < 0. 05). In the recurrence group,the type of pancreatitis differed significantly between patients with 2 times of recurrence and those with > 2 times of recurrence( recurrence for more than 2 times)( P =0. 040). Compared with the primary group,the recurrence group had a significantly higher proportion of patients with known predisposing factors( 80. 36% vs 58. 33%,P = 0. 002),as well as significantly higher rates of high- fat diet and drinking( both P < 0. 05). However,the rates of biliary tract infection and oral administration of drugs showed no significant differences between the two groups( both P > 0. 05).Conclusion Recurrent biliary pancreatitis is common and severe in males,and is often complicated by common bile duct stones,stenosis of the common bile duct orifice,and hyperlipidemia,with a high rate of surgical treatment. High- fat diet and drinking are important predisposing factors for recurrent biliary pancreatitis.