Treatment Options for Autoimmune Pancreatitis
Autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) is a specific type of pancreatitis (inflammation and swelling of the pancreas) caused by the immune system attacking the pancreas. The treatment goals are to get the disease into remission (where symptoms go away) and control the symptoms.
The treatment approach depends on factors such as the person's overall health, how far along the disease is, and their goals, which they discuss with their healthcare team.
The goals of treatment for autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) are to relieve symptoms, resolve symptoms, and prevent it from getting worse. Here are the different types of treatments and how they work to achieve these goals:
Medications:
- Corticosteroids: These drugs, such as prednisone and prednisolone, reduce inflammation by calming down the immune system. They are the first treatment used for active AIP and can help bring the disease into remission.
Therapies:
- Biologic drugs: In some cases, biologic therapies (treatments made from living cells) like anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) therapy (which blocks a protein that causes inflammation) may be used if AIP comes back or if the patient depends on steroids. These drugs offer another option to corticosteroids and immune-suppressing drugs (medicines that weaken the immune system to stop it from attacking healthy parts of the body) which may have serious side effects.
Therapeutic procedures:
- Stent placement: If there is a narrowing or blockage in the pancreatic or bile ducts due to AIP, a stent (a small tube) may be placed in the affected duct. This helps keep the duct open and allows fluids to flow properly.
- Lifestyle behavior changes: This includes quitting smoking, cutting down on alcohol, improving your diet, and getting more exercise. These changes can help improve overall health and may help control AIP symptoms.
It's important to note that these treatments help control symptoms, bring the disease into remission, and stop it from getting worse. However, treatment plans may be different for each person depending on how serious their symptoms are and how well they respond to the treatment. Always talk with your healthcare professional for personalized advice.
Medication dosing may be affected by many factors. Check with your health care professional about dosing for your individual situation. Other side effects can occur. Check with your health care professional or read the information provided with your medication for additional side effect information.