A child surrounded by comforting hands, symbolizing care and protection, with a stylized pancreas emitting a soft glow in the background.

Pediatric Pancreatitis: Spotting the Signs, Understanding the Causes, and What It Means for Your Child's Health

Beau Callahan in Health & Wellness July 2025 • 4 min read.

"A 20-year study in Saudi Arabia sheds light on the rising cases of acute pancreatitis in children, uncovering key factors and offering guidance for parents and caregivers."

Pancreatitis, an inflammation of the pancreas, occurs when digestive enzymes start attacking the organ itself. In children, this condition can manifest suddenly as acute pancreatitis (AP), characterized by inflammation and potential structural changes. Unlike chronic pancreatitis, which leads to irreversible damage, AP is often reversible if detected and managed promptly.

Diagnosing acute pancreatitis in children requires careful evaluation. According to the International Study Group of Pediatric Pancreatitis: In Search for a Cure (INSPPIRE), a diagnosis is confirmed when a child presents with at least two of the following criteria: abdominal pain, elevated amylase or lipase levels (three times the normal limit), and radiological findings indicative of pancreatitis.

While relatively rare, the incidence of pediatric AP has been increasing worldwide. To better understand this trend, a 20-year retrospective study was conducted in Saudi Arabia, aiming to identify the causes, clinical characteristics, and outcomes of AP among Saudi children. This article breaks down the study's findings, offering insights for parents and caregivers.

Unveiling the Culprits: What Causes Pancreatitis in Children?

A child surrounded by comforting hands, symbolizing care and protection, with a stylized pancreas emitting a soft glow in the background.

The Saudi Arabian study, which reviewed cases from 1994 to 2015, included 50 patients under the age of 19 diagnosed with primary acute pancreatitis. The research revealed several key factors contributing to the condition:

Idiopathic pancreatitis, meaning cases with no identifiable cause, was the most frequent etiology, accounting for 42% of cases. This highlights the complexity of the condition and the need for thorough investigation. Gallstones were the second most common cause, representing 22% of cases.

Medication-Induced Pancreatitis: Two cases (4%) were linked to drug use. One patient was taking isoniazid, a medication used to treat tuberculosis, while the other had ingested large amounts of erythromycin, amoxicillin, and ibuprofen.
Choledochal Cysts: These congenital abnormalities of the bile ducts were identified as a cause in 4% of cases.
Pancreaticobiliary Diseases: Congenital and non-congenital conditions affecting the pancreas and bile ducts accounted for a significant 34% of cases.

The Takeaway: Proactive Steps for Parents

While pediatric pancreatitis remains relatively uncommon, this study underscores the importance of awareness and early detection. By understanding the potential causes, recognizing the symptoms, and seeking timely medical attention, parents and caregivers can play a crucial role in protecting their child's health. Remember, early diagnosis and appropriate management are key to ensuring the best possible outcome.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1016/j.ijpam.2018.01.001, Alternate LINK

Title: Etiology And Clinical Characteristics Of Pediatric Acute Pancreatitis In Saudi Arabia: A 20-Year Experience From A Single Tertiary Center

Subject: Pediatrics, Perinatology and Child Health

Journal: International Journal of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Authors: Abdulrahman Alabdulkareem, Tameem Almahmoud, Husam Al-Tahan, Sundas Javad, Maher Al Hatlani

Published: 2018-03-01

Everything You Need To Know

What is pediatric pancreatitis, and how does it differ from chronic pancreatitis?

Pediatric pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas in children. This condition, often presenting as acute pancreatitis (AP), is characterized by inflammation and possible structural changes within the pancreas. Unlike chronic pancreatitis, which leads to irreversible damage to the pancreas, AP is frequently reversible if diagnosed and treated promptly. The key difference lies in the long-term impact; AP aims for resolution while chronic pancreatitis involves sustained, progressive damage.

How is acute pancreatitis diagnosed in children, and what criteria are used?

Diagnosing acute pancreatitis in children requires careful assessment based on the guidelines of the International Study Group of Pediatric Pancreatitis: In Search for a Cure (INSPPIRE). A diagnosis is confirmed when a child presents with at least two of the following criteria: abdominal pain, elevated amylase or lipase levels (three times the normal limit), and radiological findings indicative of pancreatitis. These criteria help physicians differentiate between AP and other conditions with similar symptoms.

What are the most common causes of pediatric acute pancreatitis, according to the Saudi Arabian study?

The Saudi Arabian study identified several key factors contributing to pediatric acute pancreatitis. The most frequent cause was idiopathic pancreatitis, meaning the cause was unknown, accounting for 42% of cases. Gallstones were the second most common cause, representing 22% of cases. Other identified causes included medication-induced pancreatitis, choledochal cysts, and various pancreaticobiliary diseases. Identifying the cause is critical for effective management and treatment.

Can medications cause pancreatitis in children, and if so, which ones?

Yes, certain medications can induce pancreatitis in children. The Saudi Arabian study reported cases linked to specific drugs. One patient was taking isoniazid, a medication used to treat tuberculosis, while another had ingested large amounts of erythromycin, amoxicillin, and ibuprofen. This underscores the importance of considering medication history when evaluating a child with suspected pancreatitis.

Besides the primary causes, what other conditions were associated with pancreatitis in the study, and why is this important?

The study also shed light on co-morbid conditions in patients with gallstone-induced pancreatitis, including morbid obesity, chronic recurrent cholecystitis, hemophilia A, sickle cell anemia, chronic kidney disease, and epilepsy. Recognizing these associated conditions can aid in early detection and management. It highlights that pancreatitis can be linked to other health issues. Identifying these associations can improve the overall approach to diagnosis and care, which means more comprehensive patient evaluation is important in this case.