A decade of collaborative research: insights from the Scandinavian Baltic Pancreatic Club database on chronic pancreatitis.

BACKGROUND

The clinical presentation of chronic pancreatitis (CP) is highly variable and determined by the presence of pancreatic and extrapancreatic complications that occur with varying prevalence and severity. The Scandinavian and Baltic Pancreatic Club (SBPC) Forum of Excellence is a forum for clinicians from the Nordic and Baltic countries with specific knowledge on pancreatic diseases. In 2016, the forum established a database for patients with CP, which became the largest database on this patient population.

METHODS

This paper provides an insight into the 14 studies published from the SBPC database.

RESULTS

The cohort grew over the years, and finally, a total of 2608 patients were entered into the database. Smoking and alcohol were leading aetiologies and these are both associated with pain, pancreatic exocrine insufficiency and structural changes. Cluster analysis revealed distinct complication profiles. Imaging findings correlated with clinical outcomes, and enzyme therapy adherence was suboptimal. Chronic pancreatitis is associated with reduced quality of life compared to controls. Endoscopic procedures (EP) were common while surgery was rare and usually preceded by EPs.

CONCLUSION

The SBPC's research offers valuable insights into the aetiology, treatment and complications of CP, with significant implications for patient management. Future studies should aim to expand the evidence base for acute on chronic pancreatitis and explore the long-term outcomes of pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy adherence and invasive interventions in diverse populations. To address these problems, a new prospective register was started that is fully compliant with the current European Union legislation.