Autoimmune Pancreatitis

Treatment

Corticosteroids are the standard treatment for autoimmune pancreatitis. Many patients respond quickly, even dramatically, to steroid therapy. About 60 percent of people relapse, however, and need additional or long-term treatment. To help reduce the serious side effects associated with extended corticosteroid use, Mayo Clinic physicians add steroid-sparing medications to the treatment regimen. These drugs allow you to take a lower, but still effective dose of steroids.

Autoimmune pancreatitis can cause complications outside the pancreas, including enlarged lymph nodes and salivary glands, scarring of the bile ducts, liver inflammation, and kidney disease. Although these complications may diminish or disappear completely with steroid therapy, your treatment team will continue to monitor you for recurring problems.