Variability in Pancreatitis Care in Pediatrics

Objective The incidence of acute pancreatitis (AP) in childhood has increased in the last 2 decades, yet management has been largely extrapolated from adult studies. We sought to determine whether there is a consensus for treatment of AP among different pediatric subspecialists. Methods Providers from subspecialties seeing most patients admitted for AP were surveyed on their practice patterns in managing a first attack of uncomplicated AP. Results From November 2009 to August 2013, there were 284 admissions for patients with AP to our center. Patients were primarily admitted to the gastroenterology or hospitalist service (39% and 26%, respectively). Survey results found practice patterns for diagnostic evaluation, fluid resuscitation, pain management, and introduction of nutrition were variable between practitioners belonging to different subspecialties as well as within the same subspecialty group. Conclusions There is a lack of consensus on management of acute uncomplicated pancreatitis among pediatric providers, which may be improved through development of evidence-based pediatric guidelines.