Analysis of factors related to the use of analgesics in patients with acute pancreatitis

Abstract

Abstract Objectives: Acute pancreatitis (AP) is an acute inflammatory process of the pancreas accompanied by abdominal pain, and analgesics are usually used to treat the pain of AP. We sought to identify factors associated with analgesic administration and independent risk factors for the increased frequency of analgesics administered in AP patients. Methods: In this retrospective single-center observational study, we included eligible adult patients admitted with AP between 2018 and 2022. Patients were classified into 2 groups based on the use of analgesics: analgesic group and non-analgesic group. Results: We included 600 AP patients and 40.6% received analgesia drug, of which 72.1% were treated with dizoxin and 54.4% with diclofenac sodium. Patient-related factors (history of gallstones, puncture and drainage, hyperlipidemia, severe pancreatitis, pancreatic injury, high infection index, liver and kidney dysfunction, hospital stay >14 days) were related to the use of analgesics. Severe pancreatitis and low-dose administration of diclofenac sodium were independent risk factors for the increased frequency of analgesics administered. The drug dependence was reduced when the patients were ≥ 65 years or had received diclofenac sodium at high dose. Conclusions: In addition to the characteristics of patients, the prescription patterns of analgesics and the treatment methods of AP also have an impact on patients' analgesics use and dependence.