Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Nov 09, 2025 2 hours, 13 minutes ago
Medical News: Understanding a Rare and Dangerous Complication
A new global review conducted by researchers from Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University in Taiwan has revealed alarming details about a rare but deadly condition—acute pancreatitis triggered directly by COVID-19 infection. The study analyzed real-world clinical data of 111 patients from 87 published reports worldwide, uncovering important predictors of survival and revealing how the virus can cause severe inflammation of the pancreas, independent of other known causes such as alcohol use or gallstones. According to this
Medical News report, the findings underline the growing recognition that SARS-CoV-2 is not merely a respiratory virus but one capable of damaging multiple organs, including the pancreas.
COVID-19 Induced Pancreatitis Emerges as a Hidden Killer
What the Researchers Found
The study, led by gastroenterology and hepatology experts at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, found that patients suffering from COVID-19-induced acute pancreatitis (AP) had a median age of just 39 years, showing that even younger individuals are not immune. About one-third required intensive care, and over 20% needed mechanical ventilation. The death rate reached 10%, with most fatalities occurring within a week after symptom onset.
Interestingly, nearly one-third of patients developed abdominal pain or other pancreatic symptoms before hospital admission, while more than half experienced respiratory symptoms first. The team also observed that gastrointestinal symptoms like severe abdominal pain were linked to higher inflammation markers and more severe damage seen on CT scans, particularly when these symptoms appeared before respiratory distress.
Key Biological Markers and Predictors of Death
Among the most striking findings were three clear predictors of poor outcomes—an abnormally high white blood cell count (above 14,000/µL), an AST-to-ALT liver enzyme ratio of two or greater, and the need for surgical intervention due to necrosis or tissue death in the pancreas. These markers were strongly linked to higher mortality.
The researchers used advanced statistical models to confirm that patients with elevated white blood cell counts or abnormal liver enzyme ratios were several times more likely to die. They emphasized that these indicators should be closely monitored in COVID-19 patients presenting with abdominal pain, as early intervention might improve survival chances.
How the Virus May Damage the Pancreas
The study adds to growing evidence that SARS-CoV-2 attacks the pancreas through the ACE2 receptors—the same molecular doorway the virus uses to infect the lungs. This mechanism can lead to inflammation, cell death, and impaired pancreatic function, which can trigger acute pancreatitis. The researchers noted that this condition differs from typical pancreatitis caused by alcohol, gallstones, or high triglycerides, making early diagnosis even more challenging for doctors.
ong>Why Clear Definitions Matter
One of the study’s key messages is the need for the medical community to clearly distinguish between “COVID-19-induced pancreatitis” and “pancreatitis coinciding with COVID-19.” Many earlier studies grouped both together, causing confusion and inconsistencies in data interpretation. By strictly including only cases where other causes were excluded, this Taiwanese study provided one of the clearest real-world pictures of the true disease course and risks of COVID-related pancreatitis.
Implications for Global Health
Experts warn that even as the world moves past the pandemic’s acute phase, long-term monitoring for organ-related complications remains vital. COVID-induced acute pancreatitis, though rare, has serious implications for healthcare systems, especially in regions with limited intensive care resources. The researchers stressed that recognizing early warning signs and performing imaging and blood tests promptly can save lives.
The study findings were published in the peer reviewed journal: Health Science Reports.
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/hsr2.71417
The researchers were from Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Chang Gung Medical Foundation, and the College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taiwan.
These findings underscore the importance of continuous vigilance for hidden organ damage among those infected with SARS-CoV-2, even when the infection seems mild or respiratory symptoms subside.
For the latest COVID-19 news, keep on logging to Thailand Medical News.
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