CHRONIC-PANCREATITIS IN LATE CHILDHOOD AND ADOLESCENCE

Acute pancreatitis is unusual in pediatric patients, and chronic pancr eatitis is even less common. Between 1983 and 1988, we diagnosed 24 pa tients in late childhood and adolescence with chronic pancreatitis. Ou r review revealed that chronic pancreatitis presents as recurrent abdo minal pain in late childhood and adolescence. Individual laboratory an d radiological investigations may be normal during acute exacerbations of pain, but the determination of serum amylase and lipase concentrat ions - combined with ultrasonography - will accurately identify most p atients. We found that endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography is a valuable tool in the diagnosis of structural abnormalities. Surgi cal intervention may reduce symptoms in patients with structural abnor malities. There is a tendency toward decreased frequency and severity of pain as the patients increase in age.