The socio-economic impact of chronic pancreatitis: a systematic review

Rationale, aims and objectivesChronic pancreatitis (CP) is a progressive inflammatory disorder with pain being the most frequent symptom. It is associated with loss of function, pancreatogenic diabetes and digestive enzyme deficiency. The impact of local complications and loss of pancreatic function results in unknown and unreported costs. This study attempts to identify both the direct and indirect costs associated with CP. MethodsA MEDLINE literature review was performed for all relevant articles relating to any aspect of direct and indirect costs as a result of CP. ResultsIn the UK, there are 12000 admissions per annum of patients with CP at an estimated cost of 55.8 million. The costs for loss of pancreatic function are estimated at 45-90 pound million and $75.1 million for endocrine and exocrine function, respectively. Chronic pain contributes $638 million per year in costs. The protracted course of CP and paucity of monetary data make quantifying direct and indirect costs difficult. An estimate of direct and indirect costs is at 285.3 pound million per year. This equates to 79000 pound per person per year. ConclusionsPatients with CP consume a disproportionately high volume of resources.