Diagnosing chronic pancreatitis in children involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests. At Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital, we take a thorough approach to ensure we accurately identify the condition and rule out other possible causes of your child’s symptoms.

• Medical history: The doctor will ask detailed questions about your child’s symptoms, family history of pancreatitis, and any past episodes of acute pancreatitis.
• Physical examination: A physical exam will help the doctor assess your child’s abdomen for signs of tenderness or swelling.
• Imaging tests: Tests such as an abdominal ultrasound, MRI, or CT scan may be used to visualize the pancreas and look for signs of inflammation, damage, or blockages.
• Blood tests: Blood tests can check for elevated levels of pancreatic enzymes, which may indicate pancreatic inflammation.
• Genetic tests: After genetic counseling, tests can be done to check for specific gene mutations, such as PRSS1, SPINK1, CFTR, and CRTC, which may help explain the cause of chronic pancreatitis.
• Stool tests: to evaluate for parasitic infections

By combining these tests, our team can make an accurate diagnosis and tailor a treatment plan for your child.

At Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital, we offer a variety of treatment options to manage chronic pancreatitis and help your child lead a healthier, more comfortable life. Treatment aims to reduce pain, improve digestion, and prevent further damage to the pancreas.

Dietary Changes

• A diet low in fat can help reduce strain on the pancreas, making it easier to digest food.
• Smaller, more frequent meals are often recommended to reduce discomfort after eating.
• In some cases, your doctor may recommend vitamin supplements to ensure your child gets all the necessary nutrients, especially if digestion is compromised.

Enzyme Replacement Therapy

• Pancreatic enzyme supplements can be prescribed to help your child digest food more effectively. These supplements replace the enzymes the pancreas is no longer producing.

Pain Management

• Pain from chronic pancreatitis can be managed through medications such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. In more severe cases, stronger pain relievers may be necessary, but our goal is always to use the safest and most effective options.
• If pain is chronic and difficult to manage with medication alone, other options such as nerve blocks or endoscopic procedures may be considered.

Endoscopic or Surgical Interventions

• If blockages in the pancreatic ducts are contributing to the problem, an endoscopic procedure may be done to open up the ducts and relieve the pressure.
• For patients with severe pain that can’t be managed, a procedure called total pancreatectomy (removal of the pancreas) along with islet cell transplantation (to help maintain some insulin production) is done at specialized medical centers.

Management of Underlying Conditions

• If your child’s chronic pancreatitis is linked to another condition such as cystic fibrosis or an autoimmune disorder, treatment of the underlying condition will be a key part of managing pancreatitis.

Management of Diabetes

• Chronic pancreatitis can lead to diabetes because the pancreas may stop producing enough insulin, which is needed to control the body’s blood sugar levels.

At Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital, our multidisciplinary approach ensures that your child gets comprehensive care, addressing both the pancreatitis and any related health issues.

At Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital, we are committed to providing the best possible care for children with Chronic Pancreatitis. Here’s why families trust us:

At Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital, we are committed to providing the best possible care for children with chronic pancreatitis. If your child is experiencing symptoms or has been diagnosed with this condition, our expert team is here to help.