pattern of acute pancreatitis in a tertiary care center in oman

Objective: To describe the epidemiology of acute pancreatitis in a tertiary care center in Oman. Methods: A retrospective study evaluated all adults (>18 yrs) who presented with first attack of acute pancreatitis to SQUH from 1st of January 2006 to 31st of December 2012. Results: One hundred seventy-four patients were found. The mean age of the cohort was 44 ± 11 years. 54% (n=95) were male and 45% (n=79) were female. Majority of the cases were mild (n=131) compared to moderate (n=29) and severe (n=14). Sixty six percent (n=116) of the cases were secondary to alcohol and biliary tract diseases. Alcoholic pancreatitis occurred in 53% of the males whereas biliary pancreatitis occurred in 51% of the females. Pancreatitis recurred in 40% (n=71) of the cases, especially in alcoholic pancreatitis. 56 patients (32%) had complications, especially in the severe cases. Conclusion: The data about acute pancreatitis in Oman was similar to the Western countries. Pancreatitis occurred in males more than females. Alcoholic pancreatitis was more common in males, whereas biliary pancreatitis was more common in females. Alcoholic pancreatitis re-occurred in nearly half of the cases. Severe cases were associated with more complications and recurrence.