How common is severe acute pancreatitis? What is the mortality rate of severe acute pancreatitis?

  • Acute pancreatitis is a common condition
    • Affects between 40 and 70 people per 100,000 population per year
    • Annual incidence is increasing
  • Severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) accounts for 15-20% of cases of pancreatitis
  • Still carries high mortality though overall deaths remain stable despite increased incidence:
    • Reflects recent advances in management
  • Mortality rate of up to 30% reported