[Recurrent pancreatitis in children: Case series].

Abstract

Recurrent pancreatitis (RP) occurs in children between 15- 35 % of the cases. To determine the etiology and outcome of RP in children a descriptive, cross-sectional cohort study was conducted in children under 18 years of age with RP seen at Hospital Garrahan between 2008-2016. Of 10 patients with RP, 90 % were girls. Median age of the diagnoses of RP was 11. Median number of episodes was 9. Initial abdominal ultrasonography and/or magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography were abnormal in four patients. Of six patients with normal studies at onset, three developed signs of chronic pancreatitis (CP) and one stenosis of the duct of Wirsung suggestive of autoimmune pancreatitis. In 40 % of our patients, the etiology was determined. On follow-up, three patients with idiopathic pancreatitis developed CP. Genetic factors may play a role in patients considered to have idiopathic pancreatitis.