Is cassava consumption related to tropical calcific pancreatitis in Sri Lanka

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Presence of calcification in the pancreas confirms the diagnosis of Chronic Pancreatitis. In the developing countries, a non alcoholic form referred to as Tropical Calcific Pancreatitis (TCP) is been increasingly recognized. An association has been suggested to malnutrition and cassava consumption. OBJECTIVES: To assess the aetiological factors and BMI of TCP patients. METHODS: On 28 TCP patients a detailed questionnaire was administered to collect the aetiological factors. Height and weight measurements were taken. The results were compared with 50 healthy controls and 22 Alcoholic Calcific Pancreatitis (ACP). RESULTS: The mean age of TCP patients and ACP was 34. 7 (SD 10) yrs and 43.7 (SD 8.9) yrs respectively. The percentage with monthly income less than Rs: 5000.00 was high in ACP (70%) compared to TCP (60%) which was similar to control group (58%). TI1e proportion of severe malnutrition {BM! <20) was comparable in TCP and ACP (72%) and was significantly higher (p<0.05) than control group (35%). Regularity of consumption of cassava for last 5 years was significantly (p<0.05) higher in ACP (35%) compared to 19% in TCP, and 4% in the control group. There was no difference in the consumption of red, green chilli, pepper, tea and coffee in the 3 groups. CONCLUSION: The above data indicate higher consumption of manioc by ACP than TCP. A long term study will assist in establishing the association of cassava consumption and malnutrition in Chronic Calcific Pancreatitis.