Delayed diagnosis of Acute Pancreatitis
Acute pancreatitis is a potentially life-threatening condition caused by the sudden onset of inflammation of the pancreas, an organ close to the stomach. The pancreas plays a vital role in the digestive system, by producing enzymes which help to break down food before it enters the intestines where it is absorbed into the blood stream.
How do chronic and acute pancreatitis differ?
Chronic pancreatitis is more common than acute pancreatitis and generally causes less intense inflammation but is on-going and, over time, will cause damage and scarring to the pancreas which may impair the sufferer's digestive functioning.
Acute pancreatitis is not on-going but comes on quickly over a short period of time. The patient is likely to recover if monitored and supported with recovery in hospital but, in approximately 20% of people who experience acute pancreatitis, symptoms can accelerate and cause organ failure and death. Just over 1000 people die from acute pancreatitis each year in the UK.
What causes acute pancreatitis?
Most cases of acute pancreatitis have one of two causes.
- Gallstones in the gallbladder are a key cause of acute pancreatitis and are the most common cause of the illness in women in the UK. It is believed that, if gallstones become stuck in the bile duct, thereby blocking the flow of pancreatic fluid, it can trigger acute pancreatitis by prompting the enzymes to start to attack the pancreas itself.
- Excessive alcohol consumption also seems to be linked to the development of acute pancreatitis, possibly by interfering with the regular functioning of the organ. This form of acute pancreatitis is more commonly seen in men.
What are the symptoms of acute pancreatitis?
The main symptom of acute pancreatitis is a severe pain in the upper abdomen that can extend towards the back. The pain may feel worse after eating and is likely to continue if the condition is not treated.
Additional symptoms can include nausea and vomiting, a tender stomach and a high temperature.
What are the complications of acute pancreatitis?
In most cases, acute pancreatitis will last for a few days and the patient will recover naturally. However, it is a life-threatening condition and so the patient therefore requires hospitalisation and close monitoring, with support of life functions, such as fluid and food intake, and perhaps pain relief, whilst the inflammation subsides and the pancreas returns to normal functioning.
In approximately 20% of patients, however, complications may develop. The most serious of these are the following:
- The inflammation may cause the blood flow to the pancreas to be reduced. This can cause the tissue of the pancreas to die, leading to infection which can then spread to other parts of the body via the bloodstream. This is a very serious situation that can lead to organ failure.
- Another life-threatening complication of acute pancreatitis occurs if the inflammation itself spreads to other organs, again causing them to fail.
How is acute pancreatitis treated?
There is no treatment for the inflammation of acute pancreatitis itself. If the cause has been identified, then antibiotics may be used to treat that cause if appropriate. Otherwise, the patient will be supported with food and fluid intake and pain relief whilst the inflammation subsides. This may take some time and the patient will need to remain in hospital for close monitoring that complications have not set in.
If severe acute pancreatitis is diagnosed, the patient may need to be moved to intensive care and monitored for signs of organ failure.
Diagnosis and treatment of acute pancreatitis
Absolute diagnosis of acute pancreatitis can be difficult. The patient may undergo a physical examination, and a blood test should reveal if the levels of pancreatic enzymes are high. However, it is recommended that the correct diagnosis of acute pancreatitis should be made within 48 hours of admission.
It is important that the patient's fluid levels are carefully monitored whilst the pancreas recovers in order to prevent dehydration and maintain bodily functions.
It is vital that any underlying causes, such as gallstones, are dealt with promptly and appropriately to reduce the chances of the inflammation worsening or recurring.
Monitoring of the body's organs is also necessary to assess for any signs of organ failure.
Failure to diagnose or treat acute pancreatitis
Prompt diagnosis and treatment of acute pancreatitis are vital in order to reduce the chances of the spread of the illness and the onset of multiple organ failure. A delay in diagnosis or provision of inadequate medical support can be catastrophic.
Medical Negligence
If you believe you may have experienced poor quality care in relation to acute pancreatitis, we may be able to help you make a claim for compensation. Contact us at Glynns Solicitors.
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