Do Heavy Drinking and Smoking Increase Risk for Chronic Pancreatitis?

Yes, but only smoking was a risk factor for recurrent acute pancreatitis.

Excessive alcohol consumption and gallstone disease are well-established risk factors for pancreatitis. Smoking, however, is rarely considered to be a risk factor, even though some data have suggested that it is. In a prospective study conducted from 2000 to 2006 at 20 secondary and tertiary pancreatic care centers in the U.S., researchers analyzed self-reported alcohol consumption and smoking among 1695 people (mean age, 50; 87% white; 57% women): 540 with chronic pancreatitis (CP), 460 with recurrent acute pancreatitis (RAP), and 695 with neither CP nor RAP (controls).

Multivariable-adjusted analyses revealed that, compared with abstinence or light drinking (≤0.5 drinks/day), very heavy drinking (≥5 drinks/day) was independently and signif…

Reviewing Author

David A. Johnson, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory boardMedscape/WebMD; Pfizer; CRH Medical Corporation; Aries

EquityCRH Medical Corporation

Editorial boardsMedscape Gastroenterology

Leadership positions in professional societiesAmerican College of Gastroenterology Research Institute Board of Directors

David A. Johnson, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory boardMedscape/WebMD; Pfizer; CRH Medical Corporation; Aries

EquityCRH Medical Corporation

Editorial boardsMedscape Gastroenterology

Leadership positions in professional societiesAmerican College of Gastroenterology Research Institute Board of Directors