title: INCIDENCE OF ACUTE PANCREATITIS IN ALBANIAN POPULATION.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Acute Pancreatitis (AP) is an inflammatory pathology with large regional variations in incidence and etiology.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The aim of the study was to provide a description of the epidemiologic situation of AP in Albanian population, regarding incidence, etiology and severity of the disease.
  
  
  METHODS
  We have studied all the files of all patients with acute pancreatitis admitted at the UHC 'Mother Theresa" during an eight year period (2005-2012).
  
  
  RESULTS
  We had 964 admissions with the diagnosis acute pancreatitis, making an incidence of 5.64 per 100 000 inhabitants per year. Mean age of patients was 54.5 ± 16.93 years old. Among risk factors, alcohol consumption was found in 382 patients (39.6%), gallstone in 362 patients (37.6%), and others in 220 patients (22.8%).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The incidence of acute pancreatitis in Albania ranges from 3.6 - 5.64 new cases per 100 000 inhabitants per year, with an increasing trend during the last years. The incidence of AP among females almost doubles during 2005-2012. Alcohol consumption is the predominating etiologic factor among young males.
authors.affiliation: Service of Gastrohepatology, University Hospital Centre "Mother Theresa" Tirana, Albania; Faculty of Medical Technical Sciences, University of Medicine, Tirana, Albania.
authors.forename: Floreta
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Kurti
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Medical Technical Sciences, University of Medicine, Tirana, Albania.
authors.forename: Vjollca
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Shpata
authors.affiliation: University Hospital Centre "Mother Theresa" Tirana, Albania.
authors.forename: Altin
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Kuqo
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Medical Technical Sciences, University of Medicine, Tirana, Albania.
authors.forename: Albana
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Duni
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Public Health, University of Medicine, Tirana, Albania.
authors.forename: Enver
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Roshi
authors.affiliation: Service of Gastrohepatology, University Hospital Centre "Mother Theresa" Tirana, Albania.
authors.forename: Jovan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Basho
keywords: Acute pancreatitis; etiology; incidence; risk factors