A Swedish case-control network for studies of drug-induced morbidity--acute pancreatitis.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate risk factors - notably drugs - for developing acute pancreatitis.


METHODS
A population-based, case-control study, encompassing 1.4 million inhabitants aged 20-85 years from four regions in Sweden between 1 January 1995 and 31 May 1998. A total of 462 cases were hospitalised in surgical departments with their first episode of acute pancreatitis without previously known biliary stone disease. From a population register, 1781 controls were randomly selected. Information was obtained from medical records and through telephone interviews.


RESULTS
Fifty-seven percent of the cases were males. An expert group found evidence for biliary stones in 50% of the cases, alcohol intake in 23%, but in 29% neither of these factors were present. In all, "other" factors, e.g. drugs, could have contributed to the development of acute pancreatitis in 52% of the cases. In a multivariate analysis, the adjusted odds ratios (ORs) for H(2) antagonists were 2.4 (95% CI 1.2-4.8) for proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), 2.1 (1.2-3.4) for non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), 2.3 (1.3-4.0) for those derived from acetic acid and 1.9 (1.1-3.2) for antibacterials for systemic use. Significant ORs were found for a history of gastrointestinal tract disorders [1.5 (1.1-1.9)] and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) [3.4 (1.5-7.9)]. Smoking was significantly associated with acute pancreatitis [1.7 (1.2-2.1)] and, for those smoking more than 20 cigarettes per day, the OR was 4.0 (2.2-7.5). Alcohol in moderate amounts did not increase the risk, but for those drinking more than 420 g alcohol per week the OR was 4.1 (2.2-7.5).


CONCLUSIONS
In addition to cholelithiasis, smoking and heavy alcohol use, drugs may be an important risk factor for acute pancreatitis.
Blomgren
Kerstin B
KB
The Pharmacoepidemiological Unit, Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge University Hospital 141 86 Stockholm, Sweden. Kerstin.Blomgren@mpa.se
Sundström
Anders
A
Steineck
Gunnar
G
Genell
Sven
S
Sjöstedt
Svante
S
Wiholm
Bengt-Erik
BE
D000208:Acute Disease; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000437:Alcoholism / Q000150:complications; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D064420:Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010195:Pancreatitis / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D012307:Risk Factors; D012907:Smoking / Q000009:adverse effects; D013548:Sweden