Analgesic opioids in acute pancreatitis

The impact of analgesic treatment on short-term outcomes in acute pancreatitis remains unknown. In this study, researchers evaluated the association between analgesics, particularly opioids, and severity and mortality in hospitalized patients with acute pancreatitis. A total of 1,768 patients, managed in 118 centers in 27 countries, were included in the study. Of these, 59% received opioids on the day of admission and 9% received opioids after the day of admission. Multivariate analysis revealed that the risk of moderately severe to severe acute pancreatitis was increased by comorbidities, alcohol consumption, as well as longer and more severe pain. Administration of opioids after the day of admission doubled the risk of moderately severe to severe pancreatitis.