Latest news with #pancreatitis
Daily Mail
7 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE Layton and Whitney spent years planning their dream honeymoon in Mexico. But then one small symptom quickly turned paradise into panic
A newlywed has spent weeks in an intensive care unit in Mexico after he began experiencing intense stomach pains on his honeymoon. Layton, 29, and Whitney McCann, 30, were married on April 5 and spent months planning the honeymoon of their dreams in the United States and Mexico. Mr McCann, a schoolteacher, and Mrs McCann, a hair salon owner, left Geelong, Victoria, and flew to Playa Del Carmen after two weeks in the US. However, just days after arriving in the coastal resort town, Mr McCann began experiencing intense abdominal pain. Mrs McCann's sister, Bronte Holland, said the situation escalated quickly. 'The hotel they were staying at had a doctor so they called the doctor into the room,' she told Daily Mail Australia. 'He gave Layton something and then left. My sister called the doctor back after 10 minutes because he was really not well. 'They sent him to hospital and he's been there now for nearly two weeks.' Tests revealed Mr McCann had contracted an infection that led to pancreatitis and he was rushed to the closest intensive care unit. His mother and mother-in-law arrived in Mexico on Sunday, with Mr McCann put in an induced coma and on a ventilator the following day. 'They're not sure what caused it,' Ms Holland said. 'It could've been the food or the alcohol that he was having on his honeymoon but something has triggered this infection. 'The pancreas was all inflamed and it started to die, so they've put him in a coma.' The family, who are facing a language barrier, considered medically evacuating Mr McCann home to Australia, but he is currently too unstable to travel. 'Layton's whole body swelled up, all his face was swollen,' Ms Holland said. 'I'm a nurse and, from what my sister's telling me, they're doing a really good job taking care of him. They've been checking his bloods, doing CT scans every day. 'My sister's travel insurance also set up a doctor in Australia she can liaise with. Everything's just extra stressful because of the language barrier.' Mr McCann's deterioration has left his family members rattled. 'He's an avid cricket player. He's part of the North Geelong cricket club and he runs every day,' Ms Holland said. 'He's very physically active and a healthy young bloke.' While the couple's medical bills are being covered by their travel insurance, they still face several ongoing costs. On top of accommodation and additional flights, Mrs McCann runs her own business and loses income each day she misses work. Ms Holland has created a GoFundMe to help relieve some of the financial pressure. 'Everyone's stressed and everyone's a mess,' she said. 'It's just so sad, they only just got married. They should be having the time of their lives on their honeymoon, this is not how it's supposed to go.
Medscape
04-07-2025
- Health
- Medscape
Lower Complication Rates in Sludge vs Gallstone Pancreatitis
TOPLINE: Patients with sludge- or microlithiasis-induced acute pancreatitis (AP) had significantly lower rates of pancreaticobiliary complications than those with gallstone-induced AP. METHODOLOGY: Researchers enrolled 789 patients who were hospitalised with their first episode of biliary pancreatitis between January 2018 and April 2020 at 16 Spanish and two Mexican centres. Patients were divided into two groups on the basis of types of calculi: those with sludge- or microlithiasis-induced AP (n = 274; median age, 71.9 years; 53.2% women) and gallstone-induced AP (n = 515; median age, 68.9 years; 54.3% women), with neither group receiving cholecystectomy during admission. The primary endpoint was the rate of pancreaticobiliary complications, measured as the complication-free survival rate, in patients with sludge- or microlithiasis-induced vs those with gallstone-induced AP. The multivariate analysis was conducted to assess the effect of multiple variables on complication-free survival. The median follow-up duration was 8.15 months for the sludge/microlithiasis AP cohort and 6.13 months for the gallstone AP cohort (P < .001). TAKEAWAY: Patients with gallstone-induced AP had a significantly higher rate of pancreaticobiliary complications than those with sludge- or microlithiasis-induced AP (41.75% vs 32.12%; P = .01). Patients in the gallstone AP group had a significantly lower complication-free survival rate than those in the sludge/microlithiasis AP group (log-rank P = .0022). The most frequent complication was recurrent AP, occurring in 24.08% of patients in the gallstone AP group and 20.07% of those in the sludge/microlithiasis AP group. The medium Charlson Comorbidity Index was independently associated with a higher risk for pancreatobiliary complications for the sludge/microlithiasis AP cohort (hazard ratio [HR], 2.07; P = .005). In the gallstone AP group, older age was associated with a reduced risk for pancreaticobiliary complications (HR, 0.54; P < .001). IN PRACTICE: "The lower complication rate observed during follow-up supports, for the first time, the consideration of the sludge/microlithiasis AP cohort as a distinct clinical entity — one that may warrant a more conservative interventional approach, particularly in patients with elevated perioperative risk," the authors of the study wrote. SOURCE: This study was led by Simon Sirtl, MD, LMU University Hospital, Munich, Germany. It was published online on June 28, 2025, in Digestive and Liver Disease. LIMITATIONS: The study's retrospective design precluded prospective stratification depending on the newly published consensus definitions for biliary sludge and microlithiasis. The inability to stratify patients along with only 17.1% of patients undergoing endoscopic ultrasound introduced heterogeneity into the sludge/microlithiasis AP cohort as the classification remained examiner dependent. Furthermore, the sample size was calculated for pancreatobiliary complications in symptomatic cholelithiasis rather than specifically for AP. DISCLOSURES: The trial was funded by AEG Young Talent Grant 2021. One author reported receiving funding from the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (German Research Foundation) and the LMU Munich Clinician Scientist Program. This article was created using several editorial tools, including AI, as part of the process. Human editors reviewed this content before publication.
Yahoo
04-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
New Weight-Loss Drugs Under Scrutiny Amid Pancreas Concerns
Popular weight-loss drugs like Ozempic and Zepbound have revolutionized how we tackle obesity. But now, emerging reports about potential side effects have prompted a new investigation by UK health regulators. Hundreds of people reported experiencing severe pancreas problems after taking these drugs, according to the BBC. The UK government is now asking anyone who's been affected to contact them. They are particularly interested in understanding whether genetic factors may predispose certain individuals to such severe reactions. As always with health alerts, it's crucial to put this news into perspective. There's no clear evidence yet that these drugs are directly causing pancreas damage. Their known side effects are already well-documented and they remain approved as safe for use when prescribed and overseen by a doctor. Related: And that last part – doctor oversight – is vital: it's not safe to obtain these drugs through unofficial channels. Even if you can be sure you're getting what you asked for – which you can't – these medications aren't right for everyone. It's important to note that when any medication is taken up by a large number of people, it will inevitably reach some who will experience health issues regardless of the drugs they're on, and rare adverse reactions will likely also occur. But the sheer number of reports of acute or chronic pancreatitis warrants further examination, and the cases so far involve up to 10 fatalities. The investigation is being managed by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency and Genomics England. Collectively, the drugs being looked at are known as GPL-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptor agonists, because they target cells in the body usually activated by the natural GLP-1 hormone, which controls blood sugar and appetite – hence why they're used for diabetes and weight loss. These medications can be split into two types: those based on semaglutide (such as Ozempic and Wegovy), and those based on tirzepatide (including Mounjaro and Zepbound). The latter type also targets glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptors, as well as GLP-1 receptors, for a stronger effect. To date, almost 400 reports of acute pancreatitis have been received from people using GLP-1 drugs such as Mounjaro, Wegovy, Ozempic, and liraglutide, as per The Guardian. Nearly half of those, 181, involve the tirzepatide-based drug sold as Mounjaro. Genetic risk is one of the factors being studied, which may mean some people are more prone to pancreatic issues. In the case of acute or chronic pancreatitis, this manifests itself as severe stomach pain that won't go away. Those in the UK aged over 18, who have a strong adverse reaction to one of these weight loss and diabetes drugs are being asked to register their details on the Yellow Card website (the official UK system for reporting issues with approved medications). From there, you'll be asked to submit more information and a saliva sample, if you're chosen to take part in a study of GLP-1 drugs and pancreatic issues. The effects of all medications have to be considered in relation to other factors, including existing health conditions, genetics, age, and sex. Even the most effective drugs can come with risks. "GLP-1 medicines like Ozempic and Wegovy have been making headlines, but like all medicines there can be a risk of serious side effects," says geneticist Matt Brown from Genomics England. "We believe there is real potential to minimize these, with many adverse reactions having a genetic cause." Common Motion Sickness Drug Being Used to Turn People Into Zombies Your Food Packaging Is Shedding Microplastics Into Every Meal, Study Reveals Your Brain on Speed: Is Watching Video in Fast-Forward Bad For Your Memory?
Daily Mail
03-07-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE Urgent Mounjaro warning: Common mistake puts patients at risk of deadly organ damage, expert says
A nurse has warned thousands of patients using the weight loss jab Mounjaro could be at risk of deadly organ failure, because GPs are failing to carry out a vital test. Dubbed the 'King Kong' of weight loss injections, Mounjaro can now be prescribed by NHS GPs in a bid to tackle the ongoing obesity crisis. But the injections often come with side effects ranging from severe dehydration, nausea and even life-threatening pancreatitis––which health professionals say could be avoided with a simple blood test. Rachel Joy, nurse and chief clinical officer at SheMed, a private healthcare provider, said: 'The safest way for people to use these jabs is through mandatory blood screening.' She continued: 'These blood tests help identify any underlying health issues that need to be managed before a patient starts the programme, or if the treatment is entirely unsuitable.' Blood tests can test for liver function, thyroid problems, uncontrolled pre-diabetes and high levels of harmful fats called triglycerides in the blood. These lipids come from foods, including butter, oil and other fats. While a certain level of these fats is essential for good health, high levels can raise the risk of heart disease. Ms Joy warned: 'If someone has really high triglycerides, they may be at higher risk of pancreatitis.' Pancreatitis is the inflammation of the pancreas, a gland located behind the stomach which is used in digestion and blood sugar regulation. While there is a high survival rate for this condition, it can trigger organ failure—which can be fatal. In some cases of severe acute pancreatitis, the pancreas can lose its blood supply and turn necrotic, which can cause deadly sepsis (a blood infection), which can in turn make other major organs fail. Severe acute pancreatitis can also trigger a systemic inflammatory response which causes other organs—like the lungs and kidneys—to fail. Ms Joy continued: 'People who have uncontrolled diabetes are also at an increased risk of becoming severely dehydrated which can be really serious. 'Without a blood test, this could be missed,' she added. Officials are now examining whether jab users affected by pancreatitis have a genetic trait that leaves them at greater risk of side-effects, which Ms Joy said could also be flagged by a simple blood test. 'Sometimes these things are subtle, but can have a massive impact. 'We should be putting these patients at the centre and treating obesity like any other clinical health condition.' She is now urging healthcare officials to reconsider rolling out these jabs without strict guidelines in place, as GPs struggle under time-constraints. As such, SheMed have made blood tests a mandatory part of their programme before prescribing the revolutionary jab. Last month, the UK medicines regulator launched a probe into the safety of fat jabs after hundreds of users developed pancreatitis, leaving ten dead. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) said it has received more than 560 reports of people developing an inflamed pancreas after taking so-called 'GLP-1' injections since they were first launched. The MHRA is now calling for users who are admitted to hospital with pancreatitis to report the side effect to authorities using the regulator's Yellow Card scheme. Healthcare workers can also submit a report on patients' behalf. This involves providing further information and submitting a saliva sample which will be used to explore whether some people are at a higher risk of acute pancreatitis when taking these medicines due to their genetic makeup. Researchers hope this will ultimately enable doctors to use rapid genetic screening tests before prescribing drugs to make the process safer. Side effects continue to be a significant burden on the NHS and studies have shown they account for one in six hospital admissions. The main symptom of pancreatitis is severe pain in the stomach that radiates to the back and does not go away. Anyone who experiences this should seek immediate medical help. Dr Alison Cave, MHRA's chief safety officer, said: 'Evidence shows that almost a third of side effects to medicines could be prevented with the introduction of genetic testing.' It is predicted that adverse drug reactions could cost the NHS more than £2.2 billion a year in hospital stays alone she added. These blockbuster jabs have also been credited with lowering blood sugar levels for people with type 2 diabetes, but Ms Joy warned they are not a silver bullet and can come with a number of serious side effects. Recent estimates suggest that about 1.5 million people in the UK are taking weight loss jabs, many of which are bought privately due to NHS rationing. Most side effects linked to the jabs are gastrointestinal including nausea, constipation and diarrhoea. However Ms Joy warned that Mounjaro can also cause severe dehydration, especially in people with diabetes. It typically causes headaches and dizziness but if not treated quickly can even lead to seizures, kidney failure or prove fatal. There have been further reactions and deaths linked to other side-effects following the use of GLP-1 medicines. The MHRA stresses that it has not been established that the jabs caused the illnesses, but that the patients themselves have reported them as side effects. Professor Matt Brown, chief scientific officer of Genomics England, said: 'GLP-1 medicines like Ozempic and Wegovy have been making headlines, but like all medicines there can be a risk of serious side effects. 'We believe there is real potential to minimise these with many adverse reactions having a genetic cause. 'This next step in our partnership with the MHRA will generate data and evidence for safer and more effective treatment through more personalised approaches to prescription, supporting a shift towards an increasingly prevention-focused healthcare system.'
Daily Mail
01-07-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
How weight-loss jabs like Mounjaro and Ozempic can destroy your pancreas. First the flesh dies... then your organs fail. As they're linked to ten deaths, doctors' urgent warning revealed
When Susan McGowan died after just two injections of Mounjaro she'd bought from an online pharmacist, health officials rushed to reassure the public on the safety of the new generation of weight-loss jabs. The death certificate for the 58-year-old nurse from North Lanarkshire, who died last September, listed acute pancreatitis – inflammation of the pancreas – as one of the immediate causes of death. Her use of Mounjaro (or tirzepatide) was recorded as 'a contributing factor'.
