Prevalence and Epidemiological Profile of Acute Pancreatitis in King Faisal Hospital: Retrospective descriptive study from 2014--2024

Abstract Background: Acute pancreatitis is one of the most important acute gastrointestinal conditions worldwide, although its prevalence and etiology vary across countries and regions. This study investigated regional and national patterns in the prevalence and etiology of acute pancreatitis, demographic patterns in prevalence, and trends over time in prevalence in Kigali, Rwanda. Objective: To determine the prevalence of acute pancreatitis (AP) in Kigali, Rwanda, KFH. -To identify the most common causes of AP in Kigali, Rwanda, and KFH. -To characterize the clinical presentation of AP in Kigali, Rwanda, KFH. Methods: This retrospective study analyzed patients from medical wards between 2014 and 2024. The study excluded patients with a history of chronic pancreatitis or incomplete files. Additionally, a structured review was conducted to examine the prevalence and etiology of acute pancreatitis in hospitalized patients. Results: A study of 65 acute pancreatitis patients revealed that most were male, aged 25--35 years, with an average age of 37 years. Common causes included alcohol (75.4%) and gallstones (27.7%). The symptoms were mainly abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. Most cases were mild to moderate, with 9.5% very severe. Diagnostic imaging frequently includes CT scans and ultrasounds. Most patients were hospitalized for under 5 days, received conservative treatment, and improved. Necrosis was a notablecomplication in 9.2% of the patients. Conclusion: This study reveals important patterns in the demographics, clinical features, and management of acute pancreatitis patients. Although the findings are consistent with global trends, significant regional variations in causes, severity, and socioeconomic factors highlight the necessity for localized prevention and treatment strategies. More research into these regional differences is crucial for refining acute pancreatitis care approaches.