DRUG-INDUCED ACUTE-PANCREATITIS - FURTHER CRITICISM

A comprehensive literature search was performed to collect all availab le data on drug-induced pancreatitis. Strong evidence for an associati on with acute pancreatitis has been described for anticholinesterases, calcium 2',3'-dideoxyinosine, estrogen, L-asparaginase, salicylates, thiazide-diuretics, valproic acid, and vinca alkaloids. Weak evidence has been found for antituberculous agents, azathioprine, biguanides, c isplatinum, cyclosporine A, H-2-blocking agents, loop diuretics, 6-mer captopurine, metronidazole, pentamidine, steroids, sulfonamides, sulin dac and tetracycline. Many cases were associated with underlying condi tions known to induce acute pancreatitis themselves. It is concluded t hat for none of the drugs studied the available data are consistent en ough to support a definite association with acute pancreatitis. Nevert heless, the data suggest that drugs may be a trigger or a cofactor in inducing pancreatitis.