Acute Pancreatitis in Pregnancy: Case Series

• Lisa Melita Pinto,*  
• Nagarathna Gopala

Abstract

Abstract Objectives: Acute pancreatitis (AP) in pregnancy is a rare condition resulting in maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. We aimed to study the course of pancreatitis in pregnant women and concluded that early diagnosis and early treatment result in good maternal and perinatal outcomes. Methods: A retrospective case-series study. Data was collected from the hospital record section. Four patients with pancreatitis during pregnancy were managed at a tertiary centre in our department in the last 4 years. The inclusion criteria for the study were pregnant women who had an acute abdomen due to non-obstetrical causes. This was further confirmed by elevated pancreatic enzymes. Transabdominal Ultrasonography was performed to rule out other causes of acute abdominal pain. Foetal well-being was also monitored. Maternal and foetal conditions were noted at discharge. Women were followed up until 6 months post-delivery. Results: There was one maternal mortality and no perinatal mortality. Two patients underwent caesarean sections, and the other two had vaginal deliveries. One patient had a pseudo-pancreatic cyst with mortality in the postpartum period due to multi-organ dysfunction. Conclusion: Acute pancreatitis in pregnant women remains challenging as delayed diagnosis and treatment result in poor maternal and foetal outcomes. Hence, early diagnosis and treatment are crucial in reducing adverse outcome

Keywords

Case series on acute pancreatitis in pregnany