Wehler et al identified factors affecting the quality of life in patients with chronic pancreatitis. These can help identify patients who may require more aggressive management and closer monitoring. The authors are from the University of Erlangen-Nuremberg in Germany.
Parameters:
(1) abdominal pain intensity and duration
(2) body mass index
(3) number of significant comorbid conditions
(4) pancreatic diarrhea
(5) occupational status
These reflect the severity of the disease.
Parameter
Findings
Points
abdominal pain intensity and induration
none or mild
0
moderate to severe
1
body mass index
> 19 kg per square meter
0
<= 19 kg per square meter
1
number of comorbid conditions
0
0
>= 1
1
pancreatic diarrhea
absent
0
present
1
occupational status
working
0
unemployment or retirement
1
total number of risk factors =
= SUM(points for all 5 parameters)
Interpretation:
• minimum number: 0
• maximum number: 5
• A patient with multiple factors will have a decreased quality of life.
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