Editorial
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World J Gastroenterol. Nov 14, 2013; 19(42): 7219-7221
Published online Nov 14, 2013. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v19.i42.7219
Understanding and treatment of chronic pancreatitis
Asbjørn Mohr Drewes
Asbjørn Mohr Drewes, Mech-Sense, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Aalborg University Hospital, 9100 Aalborg, Denmark
Author contributions: Drewes AM solely contributed to this paper.
Supported by The Danish Council for Strategic Research
Correspondence to: Asbjørn Mohr Drewes, MD, PhD, DMSc, Professor, Mech-Sense, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Aalborg University Hospital, Medicinerhuset, Mølleparkvej, 9100 Aalborg, Denmark. amd@rn.dk
Telephone: +45-99-321111 Fax: +45-99-322503
Received: June 23, 2013
Revised: October 23, 2013
Accepted: November 2, 2013
Published online: November 14, 2013
Abstract

Chronic pancreatitis is characterized by an inflammatory process of the pancreas, which is replaced by fibrosis and progressive destruction. The three major clinical features of chronic pancreatitis are pain, maldigestion, and diabetes. Chronic pancreatitis has a profound impact on social life and employment patterns. In the current issue, different topics highlight experimental models of chronic pancreatitis and bridge findings from recent research to bedside. Although the disease is still difficult to treat the current papers represent useful guidelines on how to approach chronic pancreatitis in the clinical settings with the major aim to improve the patient’s suffering and quality of life.

Keywords: Chronic pancreatitis, Pathogenesis, Diabetes, Treatment

Core tip: Chronic pancreatitis has a profound impact on social life and employment patterns. In the current issue of World Journal of Gastroenterology, different topics highlight experimental models of chronic pancreatitis and bridge findings from recent research to bedside.