Acute Pancreatitis Child
Overview
Causes
The most common cause of pancreatitis in children is trauma to the belly. Other causes are:
- Infections of the pancreas
- Problems with the liver, gallbladder, or the tubes that connect the liver and pancreas
Sometimes the cause is not known.
Risk Factors
Things that may raise a child's risk of acute pancreatitis are:
- Certain medicines
- Specific viral infections
- Problems with how organs formed before birth
- Hyperlipidemia —excess lipids (fats) in the blood
- Hypercalcemia —excess calcium in the blood
- Cystic fibrosis
- Gallstones
- Diseases that affect blood vessels, such as systemic lupus erythematosus and Henoch-Schönlein purpura
SymptomsandDiagnosis
Symptoms
Problems may be:
- Pain and swelling in the belly
- Back pain
- Nausea and vomiting—vomit may be yellow, green, or brown
- Lack of hunger
- Fever
Treatments
Treatment
Pancreatitis may get better on its own. Supportive care may be needed. Fluids and nutrition may be given with:
- IV fluids
- Total parenteral nutrition—nutrition given by IV
- Feeding tube—tube is passed through the nose and into the stomach
More care may be needed if the pancreatitis is severe or does not pass on its own. Options are:
Medications
Over the counter or prescription pain medicine may be needed. Antibiotics may also be given to treat infection.
Other medicine may need to be stopped or changed if it is making symptoms worse.
Surgery
Surgery may be needed for severe problems, such as bleeding, a large infection, or uncontrolled pain.
Cysts and pseudocysts can also develop because of pancreatitis. Surgery may be needed to remove or drain them.
This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.
Edits to original content made by Denver Health.
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