Long-Term Follow-up of Disabled Patients With Chronic Pancreatitis

Background/Aims: Patients with chronic pancreatitis (CP) often report a poor quality of life and may be disabled. Our study identifies clinical characteristics, predictors and outcomes in CP patients with disability. Methods: A review of established CP patients followed in our Pancreas Center between January 1, 2016 and April 30, 2021. Patients were divided into 2 groups based on disability. Univariate analysis was performed to identify differences in demographics, risk factors, comorbidities, complications, controlled medications, and resource utilization. Multivariate analysis was conducted to identify predictors for disability. Results: Out of 404 CP patients, 18% were disabled. These patients were younger (53.8 vs. 58.8, P=0.001), had alcoholic CP (54.1% vs. 30%; P<0.001), more recurrent pancreatitis (83.6% vs. 61.1%; P=0.001), chronic abdominal pain (96.7% vs. 78.2%; P=0.001), exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (83.6% vs. 55.5%; P<0.001), concurrent alcohol (39.3% vs. 23.3%; P=0.001) and tobacco abuse (42.6% vs. 26%; P=0.02), anxiety (23% vs. 18.2%; P<0.001), and depression (57.5% vs. 28.5%; P<0.001). A higher proportion was on opiates (68.9% vs. 43.6%; P<0.001), nonopiate controlled medications (47.5% vs. 23.9%; P<0.001), neuromodulators (73.3% vs. 44%; P<0.001), and recreational drugs (27.9% vs. 15.8%; P=0.036). Predictors of disability were chronic pain (OR 8.71, CI 2.61 to 12.9, P< 0.001), celiac block (OR 4.66, 2.49 to 8.41; P<0.001), neuromodulator use (OR 3.78, CI 2.09 to 6.66; P<0.001), opioid use (OR3.57, CI 2.06 to 6.31; P< 0.001), exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (OR3.56, CI 1.89 to 6.82; P<0.001), non-opioid controlled medications (OR 3.45, CI 2.01 to 5.99; P<0.001), history of recurrent acute pancreatitis (OR 2.49, CI 1.25 to 4.77; P<0.001), depression (OR 2.26, CI 1.79 to 3.01; P <0.001), and active smoking (OR1.8, CI 1.25 to 2.29; P<0.001). Conclusion: CP patients with disability have unique characteristics and predictors, which can be targeted to reduce disease burden and health care expenditure in this population.