Hospital mortality and trends of acute pancreatitis in Germany: a systematic analysis of hospital discharge data between 2008 and 2017

Background Acute pancreatitis (AP) represents a common gastrointestinal disorder that can be caused by a variety of etiologies. Although the course of acute pancreatitis is often uncomplicated, the more severe disease courses in particular still represent a major challenge in clinical practice. As systematic data on hospital mortality and current trends of acute pancreatitis in Germany are scarce, evaluation of existing data sets and their careful interpretation can support a rational discussion aiming at optimizing outcomes of this common gastrointestinal disease.

Methods We used standardized hospital discharge data provided by the Federal Statistical Office of Germany to evaluate hospital mortality and current developments of acute pancreatitis in Germany between 2008 and 2017.

Results A total of 538,215 hospitalized cases of acute pancreatitis were identified and included into analysis. Annual frequency of acute pancreatitis increased from 50,948 (2008) to 54,903 (2017) and was higher among males. The average hospital mortality rate was 2.74% and significantly improved within the observation period (2008: 3.1%, 2017: 2.4%). Hospital mortality was significantly higher in female patients (3.2%) compared to males (2.4%) and showed a stepwise increase with patients’ age (< 18years: 0.19%, 18-30: 0.20%, 31-50: 0.82%, 51-70: 2.02%, >71: 6.56%). We further identified the underlying disease etiology, the presence of organ complications as well as a prolonged mechanical ventilation as factors associated with an increased hospital mortality. Finally, patients treated at departments specialized for gastroenterology had the lowest hospital mortality of only 1.7%.

Conclusion Although incidence rates have increased, hospital mortality of acute pancreatitis in Germany have constantly improved over the last decade. Our study identified a number of variables associated with increased hospital mortality that could help to further improve framework conditions for the treatment of acute pancreatitis in future.

Publication History

Article published online:
07 September 2021