[Can the recurrence of alcohol-induced pancreatitis be prevented?].
70% of pancreatitis cases are considered to be induced by alcohol. Half of those fallen ill with alcohol-induced acute pancreatitis will have relapses. A prospective follow-up study showed that the level of dependence on alcohol constitutes the most important risk factor. Continued drinking was shown to be a dose-responsive risk factor for relapse; abstinence provided for a complete protection against renewed pancreatitis. In a randomized study, a semi-annual meeting with a healthcare professional specialized in substance abuse problems significantly reduced new episodes of acute pancreatitis. It is thus possible to at least reduce relapses by intervening in the risk factors.
Pelli
Hanna
H
HUS Gastro-ja Yleiskirurgian Klinikka.
Sand
Juhani
J
Nordback
Isto
I
D006801:Humans; D019512:Pancreatitis, Alcoholic / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D012307:Risk Factors; D055502:Secondary Prevention; D013695:Temperance