The most common serious complication of acute pancreatitis is infection. This occurs when the pancreas becomes inflamed and its digestive enzymes leak into the surrounding tissue. When this happens, bacteria can enter the pancreas and cause an infection. The infection can spread and cause severe illness. It can also lead to a condition called sepsis, which is a life-threatening infection of the bloodstream. Other serious complications of acute pancreatitis include pancreatic necrosis, pseudocyst formation, and pancreatic abscess.
Risk Factors
There are several risk factors that can increase the likelihood of developing acute pancreatitis. These include alcohol abuse, gallstones, certain medications, and certain diseases such as cystic fibrosis and HIV. People who have a family history of pancreatitis are also at an increased risk.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Acute pancreatitis is typically diagnosed with a combination of physical examination, lab tests, and imaging studies. Treatment of acute pancreatitis includes stopping the underlying cause, if possible, along with supportive care such as intravenous fluids and pain medications. In some cases, surgery may be required to remove the gallbladder or to drain a pseudocyst. Antibiotics may be prescribed to treat any infection.