A high prevalence of genetic polymorphisms in idiopathic and alcohol-associated chronic pancreatitis patients in Ireland.

Background: Individual genetic architecture is considered central to susceptibility and progression of disease in chronic pancreatitis. The study aimed to evaluate the presence of common pancreatic gene mutations in a defined cohort of idiopathic and alcohol-induced chronic pancreatitis patients in Ireland.

Methods: The study comprised patients with idiopathic and alcohol-induced chronic pancreatitis and historic controls.

The prevalence of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth in non-surgical patients with chronic pancreatitis and pancreatic exocrine insufficiency (PEI).

Background: Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) is a condition characterised by symptoms similar to pancreatic exocrine insufficiency (PEI) in chronic pancreatitis patients. SIBO is thought to complicate chronic pancreatitis in up to 92% of cases; however, studies are heterogeneous and protocols non-standardised. SIBO may be determined by measuring lung air-expiration of either hydrogen or methane which are by-products of small bowel bacterial fermentation of intraluminal substrates such as carbohydrates.

The potential role of gut microbiota in pancreatic disease: A systematic review.

Background: Several studies have suggested a link between microbiota imbalance and some gastrointestinal, inflammatory and neoplastic diseases. However, the role in pancreatic diseases remain unclear. To evaluate the available evidence for pancreatic diseases, we undertook a systematic review.

Hospital discharges and patient activity associated with chronic pancreatitis in Ireland 2009-2013.

Objective: To investigate trends in acute public hospital patient discharges in Ireland, to analyse hospital discharge activity for geographical variations, aetiological differences, and to estimate a national prevalence for chronic pancreatitis.

Method: We performed a nationwide retrospective study of all in-patient discharges from acute public hospitals in Ireland, participating in the Hospital In-Patient Enquiry (HIPE) reporting system. We searched for International Classification of Disease, Tenth Revision, Australian Modification (ICD-10-AM) codes K86.

Chronic pancreatitis: A diagnostic dilemma.

Typical clinical symptoms of chronic pancreatitis are vague and non-specific and therefore diagnostic tests are required, none of which provide absolute diagnostic certainly, especially in the early stages of disease. Recently-published guidelines bring much needed structure to the diagnostic work-up of patients with suspected chronic pancreatitis. In addition, novel diagnostic modalities bring promise for the future.