Epidural abscess after epidural catheter for pain release during pancreatitis

Background: Despite knowledge about compromised host defence in the course of diabetes mellitus and pancreatitis, epidural analgesia (EA) is recommend ed for pain management during pancreatitis. Case report: We present the case of a diabetic patient with pancreatitis wh o developed an epidural abscess after 3 days with an epidural catheter. Nat ural killer and T-helper cell counts were distinctively reduced in the abse nce of HIV serology. Furthermore, a synthesis failure of the liver was obse rved and evidenced by low cholinesterase, low whole protein fraction and lo w antithrombin III in the peripheral blood. Conclusion: We suggest that the combination of pancreatitis, diabetes and c ompromised immunity might be a contraindication to epidural analgesia.