The clinical course and management of pediatric chronic pancreatitis in the 21st century.

Chronic pancreatitis (CP) is a debilitating condition characterized by progressive inflammation and fibrosis of the pancreas. While this condition primarily affects adults, an increasing number of pediatric cases have been reported in recent years. Accurate prediction of the clinical course of CP in pediatric patients is crucial for effective management and improved patient outcomes. This manuscript reviews the current progress in predicting the clinical course of CP in pediatric patients, focusing on relevant studies published in medical journals. It involves the review of many recent articles and historical articles through the PubMed database. Additionally, it highlights the predictive factors, imaging modalities, and treatment plans that hold promise for better prognosis and personalized treatment approaches. CP in the pediatric population is an ever-evolving field with substantially less literature than in adults. Treating pediatric patients with this disease process requires a deep understanding of its mechanism and treatment options. Advancements in medicine have provided alternatives for patients with chronic, debilitating disease, but further studies are still needed in hopes of prophylactic management.

© 2025 European Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition and North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition.