Pancreatitis in a high HIV prevalence environment

Abstract

Background. Acute pancreatitis is common in HIV-positive individuals in reports from regions with a low incidence of HIV infection. This association has not been reported in areas with a high incidence of HIV infection.

Objective. To examine the prevalence and outcomes of HIV-associated acute pancreatitis in a high HIV prevalence environment, and trends over the period May 2001 - November 2010.

Methods. The records of patients admitted with acute pancreatitis from 2001 to 2010 were reviewed, looking for HIV status, CD4 counts and medications at presentation. The Glasgow criteria, organ failure, local complications and mortality were assessed.

Results. One hundred and six (16.9%) of 627 patients admitted with acute pancreatitis during the study period were infected with HIV. Most were female (65.1%) and black African (91.5%). The serum amylase level was used to confirm acute pancreatitis in 50 patients, with a mean of 1 569 IU/L (range 375 - 5 769), and urinary amylase in 56 patients, with a mean of 4 083 IU/L (range 934 - 36 856). Alcohol was a less frequent cause of pancreatitis in the HIV-positive group than in patients who were HIV-negative (24.5% v. 68.3%), and the prevalence of gallstones as a cause was similar (23.6% v. 17.9%). Antiretroviral therapy was associated with pancreatitis in 35.8%, and 6 (5.7%) had abdominal malignancies. Sixteen (15.1%) had pancreatic necrosis, 20 (18.9%) had septic complications, and 6 (5.7%) died.

Conclusions. HIV-associated acute pancreatitis was most frequent in females and black Africans and was associated with malignancy. Mortality was similar in HIV and non-HIV pancreatitis.