[Literature Review: Acute Pancreatitis].

Acute pancreatitis is one of the leading causes of hospital admissions for gastrointestinal disease worldwide. Its incidence has increased in recent years, significantly impacting healthcare costs. It is an acute inflammatory process of the pancreas accompanied by abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. The most common causes are gallstones and alcohol abuse, though there are other, less frequent causes. A diagnosis of acute pancreatitis requires the fulfillment of at least two of three criteria: typical abdominal pain, amylase or lipase levels three times higher than the upper limit of normal, and/or compatible imaging findings. The disease can progress from mild forms with rapid resolution to severe cases that can lead to local and systemic complications and multiple organ failure. This condition significantly impacts morbidity and mortality. The latter occurs in 24% of mild cases and up to 50% of severe cases. Since there is no specific treatment for acute pancreatitis, its management is based on supportive measures and addressing the underlying cause to prevent further episodes.