Management of Hemorrhagic Pancreatitis: Review of the Current Literature

Abstract

Pancreatitis is the disease that affects the organ of the pancreas and should be given early attention, since its complications are quite lethal and can involve other organs. This research work provides a compilation of important information that expresses, through its development, the most common complications associated with pancreatitis, especially in its hemorrhagic presentation, as well as the necessary treatments used in this condition. In the course of pancreatitis, the first two to four days of symptoms are the most important because this is the period during which 15% to 25% of patients progress to its severe form.

According to clinical and experimental data, this period is characterized by an initial state of hypovolemia. The morbidity of severe acute pancreatitis is known to occur in two stages. The first two weeks are characterized by a systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS), which results from the release of inflammatory mediators. Organ failure is common and usually occurs even in the absence of infection. The early mortality rate is 42 to 60%. The second stage begins approximately two weeks after symptom onset and is characterized by sepsis-related complications resulting from infection of pancreatic necrosis. Therefore, there is an association with systemic complications, such as pulmonary failure, renal failure, and cardiovascular failure, known as multiple organ failure syndrome (MOFS).