Study Find Statins, Gallstones Increase Pancreatitis Risks

Acute pancreatitis is a painful condition that can strike a person out of nowhere, sidelining them from the activities of day-to-day life. This illness tends to appear rather suddenly and may persist for days. If the pain is exceptionally strong or lasts for an extended period, medical intervention may be required.

While pancreatitis is nothing more than inflammation in the pancreas, the condition can prove to be rather serious. Complications include diabetes and an increased risk for pancreatic cancer if the condition doesn’t resolve and is left unchecked.

In hopes of better understanding some of the potential root causes of acute pancreatitis researchers in Finland recently conducted a study. The multi-center surgery study first took a look at gallbladder removal surgery as a way to assist. A total of 39 patients underwent removal while 46 served as control. During a follow-up of three years on average, researchers found 14 people in the control group and only four people in the surgery group had recurrence of pancreatitis.

Researchers also found that an increased risk of pancreatitis arose in patients who took statins to help lower cholesterol. The increased risk was noted especially during the first year of statin use.

While pancreatitis is commonly caused by alcohol abuse, researchers say the study points to a need for clinicians to explore other root causes. Gallstones, for example, are a known, but often overlooked, cause of the condition. In many of the study patients gallstones were found after surgery, but they had not been detected beforehand using standard ultrasound procedures.

People who suffer from acute pancreatitis are urged to work with their healthcare providers to trace down the root cause. In some cases, alcohol use, certain medications, cystic fibrosis and other issues may give rise to the condition. Addressing the root cause, when feasible, can reduce recurrence risk and help prevent complications from arising.

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Abdominal Surgery Specialists, a part of the Nicholson Clinic, is led by Dr. Nick Nicholson, one of the most experienced laparoscopic surgeons in the country.

We are Abdominal Surgery Specialists, a part of the Nicholson Clinic, led by Dr. Nick Nicholson, one of the most experienced laparoscopic surgeons in the country. Dr. Nicholson has performed over 10,000 minimally invasive procedures.