Epidemiology of Pancreatitis

The annual incidence of acute pancreatitis (AP) is ∼20-40/100,000 population. The incidence has increased over the past 2-3 decades, mainly from a rising incidence of gallstone AP and increased testing for pancreatitis. The case-fatality has decreased. Severity of AP is related to demographic factors (age, obesity), local complications (pancreatic necrosis, fluid collections), and organ failure. The annual incidence of chronic pancreatitis (CP) is ∼4-9/100,000, and its prevalence ∼40/100,000 population. CP incidence is increasing but less than AP. Alcohol is the commonest single etiology and smoking is now an established risk factor. Several genetic factors that increase pancreatitis risk have been identified. Natural history of CP depends on the age at presentation and etiology. Quality of life in CP patients is significantly decreased, and their mortality is 3-4 times greater than general population. AP progresses to CP in a subset of patients, more commonly in the setting of alcohol consumption and smoking.