 previous article in this issue | next article in this issue  |
|
Document Details : Title: Infectious complications of acute pancreatitis Author(s): DE WAELE J, VOGELAERS D, DECRUYENAERE J, DE VOS M, COLARDYN F Journal: Acta Clinica Belgica Volume: 59 Issue: 2 Date: 2004 Pages: 90-96 DOI: 10.2143/ACB.59.2.2050390 Abstract : Disease severity in patients with acute pancreatitis varies from mild disease with minimal morbidity, to severe disease in which a whole spectrum of local and systemic complications may occur. Infectious complications frequently arise, and especially infection of pancreatic necrosis is an important risk factor for mortality. Several strategies have been devised to reduce this risk, and the use of prophylactic therapy, e.g. selective digestive decontamination, can be considered in patients with documented necrosis of the pancreas. Pancreatic abscesses and infected pseudocysts arise later in the course of disease, and should be considered as separate entities, due to differences in therapy and outcome of these patients. When infection occurs, source control using either surgical or percutaneous drainage techniques, is essential to avoid systemic complications. |
