DOES ACUTE INGESTION OF LARGE AMOUNTS OF ALCOHOL CAUSE PANCREATIC INJURY - A PROSPECTIVE-STUDY

The contribution of ethanol to the pathogenesis of acute pancreatitis has been questioned for a long time. The authors asked whether acute i ngestion of large amounts of alcohol may lead to pancreatic injury, as assessed by serum amylase levels, clinical picture, and abdominal ult rasound. Therefore, all patients (N = 122) admitted to our medical eme rgency ward with the diagnosis of alcohol intoxication were evaluated prospectively during a 12-mo period. Of these, 78 (56 M, 22 F; mean ag e 36 +/- 15) could be evaluated. The other 44 were excluded because of incomplete data (n = 18), mixed intoxications (n = 8), repeated admis sion (n = 9), incorrect diagnosis on admission (n = 7), and chronic pa ncreatitis (n = 2). Serum ethanol, amylase, and GOT were measured. Ser um ethanol was 246 +/- 122 mg/dL (3-500 mg/dL), amylase 83 +/- 44 U/L (27-361 U/L), and GOT 25 +/- 37 U/L (5-271 U/L) without significant di fferences among the genders. No correlation between serum ethanol and serum amylase levels could be detected.