acute and chronic pancreatitis

Pancreatitis is a group of inflammatory disorders of the pancreas that can range from a n acute, self-limiting illness to achronic, progressive fibroinflammatory disease with irreversible structural damage. The aim o f this review is t o collate theexisting literature regarding the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment o f both acute and chronic pancreatitis. Acutepancreatitis i s a n illness that occurs i n 34 cases per 100,000 people each year. Gallstones and alcohol are the mostcommon causes. Though 80% o f cases are mild, 30% o f severe cases are fatal. Chronic pancreatitis i s a n irreversiblefibroinflammatory disease of the pancreas with 50 cases per 100,000 people. Among these cases, 50% are caused byalcohol. The recent advances that have been made i n the treatment of acute pancreatitis include the stratification o fseverity according t o the Revised Atlanta Classification system. The best fluids t o b e used for resuscitation have also beenclearly defined. The recent advances that have been made i n the treatment o f chronic pancreatitis include nanotechnology-based diagnostics and treatment options. The review also emphasizes the need for a n individualized treatment approachfor the patient with pancreatitis. The review also emphasizes the need for future research t o b e done regarding thetreatment of pancreatitis.