Elsevier

Pancreatology

Volume 8, Issues 4–5, October 2008, Pages 520-531
Pancreatology

Multicenter Approach to Recurrent Acute and Chronic Pancreatitis in the United States: The North American Pancreatitis Study 2 (NAPS2)

https://doi.org/10.1159/000152001Get rights and content

Abstract

Background: Recurrent acute pancreatitis (RAP) and chronic pancreatitis (CP) are complex syndromes associated with numerous etiologies, clinical variables and complications. We developed the North American Pancreatitis Study 2 (NAPS2) to be sufficiently powered to understand the complex environmental, metabolic and genetic mechanisms underlying RAP and CP. Methods: Between August 2000 and September 2006, a consortium of 20 expert academic and private sites prospectively ascertained 1,000 human subjects with RAP or CP, plus 695 controls (spouse, family, friend or unrelated). Standardized questionnaires were completed by both the physicians and study subjects and blood was drawn for genomic DNA and biomarker studies. All data were double-entered into a database and systematically reviewed to minimize errors and include missing data. Results: A total of 1,000 subjects (460 RAP, 540 CP) and 695 controls who completed consentforms and questionnaires and donated blood samples comprised the final dataset. Data were organized according to diagnosis, supporting documentation, etiological classification, clinical signs and symptoms (including pain patterns and duration, and quality of life), past medical history, family history, environmental exposures (including alcohol and tobacco use), medication use and therapeutic interventions. Upon achieving the target enrollment, data were organized and classified to facilitate future analysis. The approaches, rationale and datasets are described, along with final demographic results. Conclusion: The NAPS2 consortium has successfully completed a prospective ascertainment of 1,000 subjects with RAP and CP from the USA. These data will be useful in elucidating the environmental, metabolic and genetic conditions, and to investigate the complex interactions that underlie RAP and CP. study was designed to help determine the prevalence of known genetic variations and autoimmune markers associated with RAP and CP, and to better delineate theinteraction of environmental and genetic factors in the expression of the clinical manifestations of CP and consequential risk of pancreatic cancer. Herein we describe the participating centers, diverse symptomatology, methods used for diagnosis, etiological classification and treatment approaches.

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  • Cited by (191)

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    David C. Whitcomb, MD, PhD, UPMC Presbyterian, M2 C-Wing 200 Lothrop Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15213 (USA) Tel. +1 412 648 9604, Fax +1 412 383 7236

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