Medical Management of Chronic Pancreatitis in Children

Publication Date: January 31, 2021
Last Updated: March 14, 2022

Recommendations

Nutrition and endocrine

1. Patients with CP are at risk for macro- and micronutrient deficiencies. Patients should be monitored for growth and pubertal delay, dietary intake, and fat-soluble vitamin deficiencies. Growth and intake should be reviewed at every clinic visit, a minimum of every 6 to 12 months. Fat-soluble vitamin laboratory analysis should occur every 12 to 18 months or as clinically indicated. (1B)
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2. A multidisciplinary approach that includes a clinical pediatric dietitian is needed to adequately monitor nutritional status, evaluate nutrient intake and provide education and recommendations to help prevent both malnutrition and obesity. (1C)
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3. There is a clear role for PERT in children with CP who have EPI with steatorrhea, poor growth and/or nutritional deficiencies. PERT dosing for CP-associated EPI is similar to that used in patients with CF. (1B)
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4. Children with CP should be screened yearly for pancreatogenic DM with a fasting glucose and HbA1c level. (1C)
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5. Consider OGTT if pre-diabetes is present based on abnormal fasting glucose (100–125 mg/ dL) and/or HbA1c level (5.7%–6.4%). OGTT should be performed annually once a patient is considered to have pre-diabetes. (1C)
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6. Chronic pancreatitis patients with diabetes should be referred to a pediatric endocrinologist to optimize glucose management and determine if evaluation for other forms of DM should be considered. (1B)
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7. It is important to address clinical symptoms of malabsorption and PERT in children with CP and DM to improve glycemic control. (1C)
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8. Insufficient data exists to recommend the use of antioxidants as a treatment to prevent EPI or other disease progression in children with CP. (2C)
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Pain management

9. Treatment of pain in pediatric CP requires a multidisciplinary approach, ideally involving a pediatric pain physician, pediatric gastroenterologist, psychologist, nurse, and physical therapist. (1B)
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10. Cognitive behavioral Therapy (CBT) should be considered in management of pediatric CP pain. (1B)
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11. Physical therapy may be considered as an adjunct therapy for pain management in children with CP. (2B)
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12. There is insufficient data to recommend PERT as therapy for pain in children without EPI. (1B)
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13. There is insufficient data to recommend antioxidants, steroids, leukotriene antagonists, or somatostatins in the management of pain for children with CP. (2C)
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14. Analgesic pain management in CP should follow an ‘‘analgesic ladder’’ that incorporates the layering of non-opioid and opioid medications. Ideally this should be directed by a pain specialist working in partnership with a pancreatologist or gastroenterologist. (1B)
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15. Neuromodulators may be effective in treating pain in children with CP as part of a multidisciplinary approach. (1C)
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16. Celiac plexus block for pain has not been shown to be effective in children with CP and cannot be recommended. (1C)
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17. Children with CP suffering from pain refractory to standard medical management should be evaluated at a center with pediatric experience in pain management. (1C)
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Lifestyle modifications

18. On the basis of long-term adult data, providers should caution patients about the acute and chronic negative effects of alcohol abuse on pancreatic health. (1B)
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19. Health-care providers should caution patients about the dose-dependent response of tobacco smoking on the development and progression of CP among adult patients and should advise against smoking. (1A)
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20. Data are limited regarding the impact of weight and BMI on CP outcomes, as such, providers should counsel patients and parents about a balanced healthy diet and lifestyle. (1C)
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21. Administering a survey tool to assess QOL and/or functional assessment among pediatric patients to assess degree of impairment and drive targeted interventions indicated. (2C)
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Sequelae of disease

22. The majority of pancreatic fluid collections will resolve spontaneously with supportive care. Intervention is reserved for complications from mass-effect, infection/necrosis or if spontaneous regression of the collection is thought to be unlikely. (1B)
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23. Children with CP that continue to exhibit abdominal pain, bloating or other GI concerns deserve an appropriate GI workup to evaluate for other etiologies that may explain their symptoms. (1C)
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CP = chronic pancreatitis; DM = diabetes mellitus; EPI = exocrine pancreatic insufficiency; GI = gastrointestinal, OGTT = oral glucose tolerance test; PERT = pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy; QOL = quality of life

Recommendation Grading

Overview

Title

Medical Management of Chronic Pancreatitis in Children

Authoring Organization

North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition

Publication Month/Year

January 31, 2021

Last Updated Month/Year

April 1, 2024

Supplemental Implementation Tools

Document Type

Guideline

External Publication Status

Published

Country of Publication

US

Inclusion Criteria

Female, Male, Child

Health Care Settings

Ambulatory, Childcare center, Hospital, Long term care

Intended Users

Dietician nutritionist, nurse, nurse practitioner, physician, physician assistant

Scope

Management

Diseases/Conditions (MeSH)

D050500 - Pancreatitis, Chronic

Keywords

nutrition, Pain Management, chronic pancreatitis, position paper, sequelae of chronic pancreatitis

Source Citation

Freeman AJ, Maqbool A, Bellin MD, Goldschneider KR, Grover AS, Hartzell C, Piester TL, Szabo F, Kiernan BD, Khalaf R, Kumar R, Rios M, Husain SZ, Morinville VD, Abu-El-Haija M. Medical Management of Chronic Pancreatitis in Children: A Position Paper by the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition Pancreas Committee. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 2021 Feb 1;72(2):324-340. doi: 10.1097/MPG.0000000000003001. PMID: 33230082; PMCID: PMC8054312.

Methodology

Number of Source Documents
153
Literature Search Start Date
June 30, 2019
Literature Search End Date
November 30, 2019