Study of chronic pancreatitis in children

Introduction: Chronic pancreatitis (CP) in children and adolescents is an uncommon but increasingly recognized condition with etiological and clinical profiles distinct from adults. Material and Methods: This prospective observational study included 20 patients aged <18 years diagnosed with CP and admitted to a tertiary care center in Ahmedabad between May 2022 and May 2024. Clinical features, laboratory parameters, imaging findings, etiology, management strategies, complications, and short-term outcomes were analyzed descriptively. Results: The mean age was 12.4 years with a male predominance (70%). Abdominal pain was present in 100%, followed by weight loss (60%) and nausea/vomiting (55%). Etiology was idiopathic in 50%, post-traumatic in 20%, cholelithiasis and mumps infection in 10% each, and pancreatic divisum and choledochal cyst in 5% each. Elevated serum lipase and amylase were seen in 60% and 45%, respectively. Ultrasonography was abnormal in 100%, CT in 40%, and MRCP in 30%. Complications included parenchymal calcification (50%), ascites (20%), and pseudocyst (15%). Most patients were managed conservatively; 15% required surgical intervention. Conclusion: CP in children and adolescents shows a high burden of pain and complications, with a large proportion labeled idiopathic, highlighting the need for genetic evaluation and multidisciplinary care.