Factors associated with prior acute pancreatitis episodes among patients with chronic pancreatitis

Abstract Background The relationship between chronic pancreatitis (CP) and acute pancreatitis (AP) is complex and not well understood. CP could be preceded by antecedent episodes of AP. Aims The aim of this study was to explore both genetic and environmental factors associated with AP episodes before the diagnosis of CP. Methods This was a cross-sectional study including 1022 patients. Detailed demographic, genetic, and clinical data were collected. Based on the presence of AP episode(s) before diagnosis of CP, patients were divided into AP group (further classified into single episode of AP group and recurrent AP group) and non-AP group. Related factors among these groups were assessed using multivariate logistic regression model. Results Before diagnosis of CP, 737 patients (72.1%) had a history of AP. Smoking(P = 0.005) and heavy alcohol consumption(P = 0.002) were risk factors for AP while age at CP onset(P  Conclusions SPINK1 mutations served as protective factor for AP episodes, suggesting SPINK1 mutation might play a pathogenic role in CP occurrence with occult clinical manifestations.