CURRENT PRINCIPLES OF TREATMENT IN ACUTE-PANCREATITIS

The treatment of mild acute pancreatitis (AP) with fluid replacement a nd other conservative measures is adequate and sufficient in the major ity of patients. The cornerstones of the treatment of patients with se vere acute pancreatitis include early aggressive fluid resuscitation, intensive care with close monitoring and support of organ function, an tibiotic prophylaxis, early supportive treatment of organ failure, and surgery in selected cases with infected pancreatic necrosis or deteri oration of patient's condition in spite of maximal conservative therap y. Early endoscopic removal of common bile duct stones should be consi dered in cases with biliary AP. Altogether, increased accuracy in earl y diagnosis and development of intensive care have resulted in a signi ficant decrease in mortality of patients with severe pancreatitis. In this paper, we review the current principles and methods of treatment in acute pancreatitis at Helsinki University Central Hospital.