Demographic Pattern of Pancreatitis Patients in India – A Hospital-based Study

Abstract

Pancreatitis, an inflammatory disease of the pancreas, is emerging as a significant health concern globally, with an increasing incidence in India. Historically, the disease was first identified in India in 1937, and since then, research efforts have expanded, focusing on regional patterns and causative factors. This hospital-based study analyzes the demographic and clinical characteristics of 2,050 patients diagnosed with pancreatitis between January 1997 and November 2024, treated at leading hospitals across India. Key parameters, including age, gender, region, dietary habits, and lifestyle patterns, were evaluated to identify demographic trends and risk factors associated with the disease.

The study revealed a predominantly male population (83%) with an average age of 24 years and a significant proportion (75%) of adult patients aged 19–45 years. Contradictory to the accepted perception that Pancreatitis is most prevalent in South India, the highest number of patients was reported from Uttar Pradesh, followed by Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Delhi. Similarly, only 33.6% of patients reported alcohol consumption, and tobacco use was documented in 18.4% of cases. Furthermore, genetic predisposition was observed in 8.8% of patients, while gallstone-related pancreatitis accounted for 5% of cases. Late sleeping patterns were prevalent among 92.5% of patients, suggesting a potential link between lifestyle habits and disease onset.

The findings indicate the need for broader epidemiological studies to understand the regional and lifestyle factors contributing to the rising incidences of pancreatitis in India.