The belgian national registry on chronic pancreatitis: A prospective multicentre study covering more than 800 patients in 1 year

AIMS: This multi-centre prospective observational study aims to improve the knowledge regarding epidemiology of chronic pancreatitis (CP). METHODS: All patients for this study were deemed eligible based on the diagnosis of CP using imaging tests. 809 patients were included between 1/9/2014 and 31/8/2015. Data gathered included epidemiological, etiological items as well as CP complications (exocrine and endocrine insufficiency, pain) and type of treatment received. RESULTS: The majority of patients were male (74%) and were out-patients (69%). The median age of onset of symptoms was 47 (38-47) years; at the time of inclusion the median duration of the disease was 7 (3-13) years and the median Izbicki pain score (IPS) was 96 (0-195). The main etiological risk factors according to the TIGARO classification system were alcohol and tobacco (67%) followed by idiopathic causes in 19% of cases. Current alcohol drinkers had a lower BMI (21 vs 25 kg/m2, P < 0.001), a higher IPS (121 vs 90, P < 0.001) and higher inability to work. Similarly, active smoking was linked to lower BMI (21 vs 25 kg/m2, P < 0.0001) and higher IPS (137 vs 82, P < 0.001). Endocrine and exocrine insufficiencies were reported in 41% and 36% respectively. Patients with a BMI <20 kg/m2 had significantly more exocrine insufficiency (44 vs 34 %), weight loss (32% vs 16%), experienced increased pain levels (IPS: 146 vs 75) and included more smokers (78% vs 46%) and alcohol drinkers (30 vs 15 %), (P < 0.001). Highest IPS were reported in patients ongoing endoscopy with or without surgery, 244/400 and 163/ 400 respectively. Of the 15% of patients who had previously had surgery, 25% amongst them had initial surgery without previous endoscopic treatment. CONCLUSIONS: This national Belgian study on 809 CP patients could provide a useful tool to emphasize the management of these patients in terms of complications and treatment.