The epidemiology of acute pancreatitis in the United States is largely unknown, …

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Biology Articles » Medicine » Emergency Medicine » National study of United States emergency department visits for acute pancreatitis, 1993–2003 » Conclusion

Conclusion

- National study of United States emergency department visits for acute pancreatitis, 1993–2003

Our study provides the most complete epidemiologic picture to date of acute pancreatitis in the U.S. ED visits for acute pancreatitis are rising, and ED visit rates are higher among blacks than whites. Analgesics are not administered during many ED visits. Diagnostic imaging in the ED is rare. Most patients are admitted to the hospital, with greater likelihood of admission among whites than blacks. This study is the first to describe a recent increase in pancreatitis cases in U.S. EDs, the first to note a marked racial disparity in the rates of ED visits for acute pancreatitis, and the first to note a race-associated disparity in hospital admission patterns. We hope these data will stimulate further research into the causes of these important findings.