Clinical Practice Guideline of Korean Pancreatobiliary Association for Autoimmune Pancreatitis

Autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) is a distinct subtype of chronic pancreatitis characterized by immune-mediated inflammation and a favorable response to steroid therapy. Currently, the lack of standardized clinical practice guidelines in South Korea has led to significant variations in clinical practice, with diagnosis, steroid use, maintenance therapy, and relapse management often relying on individual clinician’s experience and judgment. To address this issue, the Pancreas Research Group of the Korean Pancreatobiliary Association (KPBA) has developed a clinical practice guideline for the diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of AIP, reflecting the latest global evidence and the specific healthcare environment in Korea. These recommendations were established through an extensive literature review and expert consensus using the Delphi method, with the level of evidence and strength of recommendation presented according to a standardized classification system. This clinical practice guideline aims to support consistent and rational clinical decision-making for patients with AIP and to provide a standard for evidence-based treatment suitable for the Korean medical context.