Abstract
Introduction: Acute pancreatitis (AP) is a common gastrointestinal emergency with variable clinical presentation and outcomes. Severity indices such as the Modified CT Severity Index are important tools for predicting complications and outcomes.
Objective: To evaluate the clinical profile, severity and outcomes of patients with acute pancreatitis at a tertiary care center in Eastern Nepal.
Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at Nobel Medical College Teaching Hospital, Biratnagar over a period of one year among 90 patients using consecutive sampling. Patients aged ≥18 years fulfilling at least two of these criteria: typical abdominal pain, ≥3 times elevated serum amylase/lipase, or imaging features of acute pancreatitis were included. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows version 25 with descriptive statistics to summarise baseline characteristics and chi-square or Fisher’s exact tests to see the associations between disease severity and outcomes.
Results: The mean age of patient was 44.8 ± 15.9 years, with a male predominance 51 (57%). Alcohol 39 (43%) and gallstones 30 (33%) were the leading causes. Based on the Modified CT Severity Index, 13 (20%) of cases were mild, 38 (58%) moderate, and 15 (23%) severe. Complications occurred in 42 (47%) of patients more than half those were peripancreatic fluid collection. Overall mortality was 5 (6%,) all within the severe group. Disease severity showed a significant association with mortality (p < 0.001).
Conclusion: Acute pancreatitis in Eastern Nepal predominantly affects middle-aged males. A substantial proportion present with moderate-to-severe disease and notable mortality, underscoring the need for early severity assessment and improved critical care facilities.
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