[Can the recurrence of alcohol-induced pancreatitis be prevented?].

70% of pancreatitis cases are considered to be induced by alcohol. Half of those fallen ill with alcohol-induced acute pancreatitis will have relapses. A prospective follow-up study showed that the level of dependence on alcohol constitutes the most important risk factor. Continued drinking was shown to be a dose-responsive risk factor for relapse; abstinence provided for a complete protection against renewed pancreatitis. In a randomized study, a semi-annual meeting with a healthcare professional specialized in substance abuse problems significantly reduced new episodes of acute pancreatitis. It is thus possible to at least reduce relapses by intervening in the risk factors.