Relapsing acute and chronic pancreatitis.

Twenty five children with non-traumatic relapsing acute or chronic pancreatitis who had been followed up from five months to seven years were studied. Seven had congenital anomalies, including two with choledochal cysts and four with pancreas divisum. Alcohol related disease was suspected in one child. The importance of diabetes in two patients and a positive family history in a further three is discussed, but in 12 children no association was found. Management was similar to that for adults. Surgical intervention was required in six patients, and percutaneous drainage of pseudocysts in a further three. Outcome has generally been good.