Poster 5 Severe Obesity Predicts Adverse Outcomes in Acute Pancreatitis
Author Insight from Ben L. Da, MD, Department of Medicine, University of Southern California Medical Center
What’s new here and important for clinicians?
This study is a prelim assessment of an ongoing prospective study on acute pancreatitis. We found that severe obesity (BMI >35) is predictive of severe pancreatitis and mortality. This study aims to recruit 400-500 patients in total and will be the largest study to date on the subject. We hope to prove that patients with severe obesity needs to be very carefully monitored for the development of organ failure and/or systemic complications. Clinicians needs to be aware of this in order to provide adequate resuscitation and monitoring in this subgroup of pancreatitis patients.
What do patients need to know?
Patients with severe obesity and perhaps a history of acute pancreatitis need to know that if they develop epigastric pain consistent with acute pancreatitis, they may be sicker than they realize. They should see a physician as soon as possible and be assessed properly.
Author Contact James L. Buxbaum, MD, Department of Medicine, University of Southern California Medical Center
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