Pancreatiis and Colitis

Posted by HFHSM.D.-ym on April 26, 1999 at 12:57:53

Topic Area: Pancreas
  My 20 year old daughter developed colitis at age 11.  She was
  treated with Asacol when flare-ups occurred.  The flare-ups
  increased in frequency and severity in her teen years and have
  continued to do so. For the past two years the diarrhea and
  bleeding have been constant with the exception of a month here
  or there. Salofalk rectal suspensions were used with little
  success. In February this year she was admitted to hospital with
  pancreatitis (amylase levels 800).  Intravenous was given,
  ultasound ruled out gallstones, gastroscopy ruled out stomach
  ulcers.  It was diagnosed as acute pancreatitis.  She has been
  home since then, unable to return to her studies, with the
  colitis raging. The Asacol has been passing through undigested
  so she was switched from Asacol to Pentasa three weeks ago.
  Last week the pancreatitis symptoms returned.  She does not
  drink and has not received an injury.
  Is there a connection between pancreatitis and ulcerative
  colitis?
  Why would this be happening?  Any information or suggestions/
  next steps for both conditions would be greatly appreciated.
  Her life has been reduced to very limited activity for the past
  seven weeks .
  Thank you
  Doren
Dear Doren,
Although fairly uncommon, acute pancreatitis has been reported with the use of Asacol. I had a patient who had acute pancreatitis where no other cause could be found. After discontinuing the Asacol the patient has been doing well. I hope you find this information helpful.
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