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 results in good maternal and perinatal outcomes.
Materials and Methods: A retrospective case series study. Data was collected hospital record section. Four patients with pancreatitis during pregnancy were managed at tertiary center at our department in the last 4 years. The inclusion criteria were pregnant women who came with 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 abdomen. Fetal well-being was also monitored. Maternal and fetal conditions were noted at discharge. Women were followed up till 6 months post-delivery.
Results: There was one maternal mortality and no perinatal mortality. Two patients underwent cesarean section and other two patients had vaginal delivery. One patient had Pseudo pancreatic cyst with mortality in the postpartum period due multi organ dysfunction.
Conclusion: Acute pancreatitis in pregnant women remains to be challenging as delayed diagnosis and treatment result in poor maternal & fetal outcomes. Hence early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to reduce adverse outcome.
Keywords: Acute pancreatitis, Pregnancy, Hypertriglyceridaemia.
