Risk Factors of Pancreatitis after Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography

Introduction: Pancreatitis is the common complication of diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). Diagnosing the risk factors for post-ERCP pancreatitis is important in the management of patients. In this study, we evaluated possible risk factors of post-ERCP pancreatitis among Iranian patients. Materials and methods: In this retrospective study, 708 diagnostic and therapeutic ERCPs performed in Imam Reza hospital, Tabriz, Iran between April 2011 and September 2012 were studied. The rate of post-ERCP pancreatitis and possible risk factors were evaluated using a multivariate regression analysis. Results: Post-ERCP pancreatitis occurred in 4.58% of cases. Unsuccessful ERCP (27% vs. 12.4%, p=0.02) and Body mass index (23.48±3.02 vs. 26.11±4.70 kg/m2, p=0.002) were significantly higher in patients with pancreatitis compared to those without pancreatitis. Regression analysis showed that only lower body mass index was the independent risk factor for post-ERCP pancreatitis occurrence (OR=1.341, CI95%[1.003-1.793], p=0.04). Conclusion: Among identifiable risk factors, only lower body mass index was the independent predictor of post-ERCP pancreatitis. Keywords: Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography; Pancreatitis; Risk factor