Acute pancreatitis (AP) is an inflammatory condition that can lead to late consequences.
Recurrent AP (RAP) develops in 20% of patients and chronic pancreatitis (CP) occurs
in 7%-12.8%. However, we do not have sufficient information to establish an evidence-based
statement to define early CP, or how to prevent its development.The aim of this study
was to understand the influencing factors and to determine which parameters should
be measured or used as a biomarker to detect the early phase of CP.This is an observational
prospective follow-up study of the GOULASH-trial (ISRTCN 63827758) in which (1) all
severity of pancreatitis are included; (2) patients receive only therapeutic modalities
which are accepted by the evidence based medicine (EBM) guideline; (3) whole blood,
serum and plasma samples are stored in our biobank; and (4) large amount of variables
are collected and kept in our electronic database including anamnestic data, physical
examination, laboratory parameters, imaging, therapy and complications. Therefore,
this fully characterised patient cohort are well suitable for this longitudinal follow-up
study. Patients' selection: patients enrolled in the GOULASH study will be offered
to join to the longitudinal study. The follow-up will be at 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 years
after the episode of AP. Anamnestic data will be collected by questionnaires: (1)
diet history questionnaire, (2) 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey, (3) physical activity
questionnaire and (4) stress questionnaire. Genetic tests will be performed for the
genes associated with CP. The exocrine and endocrine pancreatic, liver and kidney
functions will be determined by laboratory tests, stool sample analyses and imaging.
Cost-effectiveness will be analysed to examine the relationship between events of
interest and health-related quality of life or to explore subgroup differences.This
study will provide information about the risk and influencing factors leading to CP
and identify the most useful measurable parameters.ISRCTN63396106.
