Pathogenesis of juvenile tropical pancreatitis syndrome.

The name juvenile tropical pancreatitis syndrome (JTPS) is proposed for a disease which affects young people of both sexes in certain parts of the tropics and which is characterised by abdominal pain, diabetes, steatorrhoea, and pancreatic calcification. The condition seems to start with blockage of the pancreatic ducts by laminated secretions or inspissated mucus plugs which later calcify. Chronic pancreatitis follows. The hypothesis is that plugs are the result of pancreatic stasis due to prolonged lack of food in the stomach and/or gastroenteritis and dehydration. Most plugs are probably dislodged during convalescence when protein-containing foods are eaten and stimulate vigorous flow of pancreatic juice. The sluggish pancreatic flow produced by very-low-protein diets may not dislodge plugs. Repeated infection and anorexia can enlarge the plugs which ultimately calcify. JTPS therefore occurs in Third-World areas with a high rate of childhood infections, and where low-protein staples are taken. Cereal staples seem to reduce the incidence of JTPS in endemic areas because of their protein content.