| Acute pancreatitis is rare in children, and although often caused by alcohol consumption and gall stones, in children it usually occurs with blunt trauma to the abdomen. Viruses can also cause pancreatitis in children, including mumps and chickenpox.
Symptoms of pancreatitis include epigastric abdominal pain, fever and persistent vomiting. The pain is usually severe.
Diagnosis of pancreatitis is by testing the blood for an elevation in the enzymes amylase and lipase. An ultrasound and/or CT scan may show an enlarged pancreas, abscesses or swelling. Recurrent cases of pancreatitis may need an endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERPC).
Routine treatments include intravenous fluids, medications to manage pain, and nasogastric suction for persistent vomiting. Children usually recover in two to four days.
Cystic fibrosis is a common cause of chronic pancreatitis in children.
|
