Previously our retrospective study showed that almost half of the patients with acute alcoholic pancreatitis had a recurrent attack in the long-term, mild pancreatitis and young age being risk factors for recurrence. The aim of this prospective follow-up study was aimed to find out the risk factors in detail.

Patients admitted to Tampere University Hospital for first acute alcoholic pancreatitis were included. The diagnostic criteria for acute pancreatitis were epigastric pain, serum amylase > 3 x upper normal range, elevated serum CRP and signs of acute pancreatitis in imaging. Other etiologies were excluded. Alcohol consumption and dependency were detected. Serum and fecal markers of the endocrine and exocrine function and secretin stimulated MRCP were studied. The patients were followed median 38 (25 - 61) months for the recurrences and had a follow up visit at two years to investigate trends in the alcohol consumption.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients who survived their first acute alcoholic pancreatitis. The diagnostic criteria for acute pancreatitis were epigastric pain, serum amylase > 3 x upper normal range, elevated serum CRP and signs of acute pancreatitis in imaging. Other etiologies were excluded.
• High alcohol consumption was detected