Question
I have a patient at 800 calories who has done really well, but developed an acute pancreatitis. She has had her gall bladder removed. First, how common is pancreatitis in a protein sparing modified fast (PSMF)? And has this been reported with the use of Robard products?
Answer
In the years I have done this diet, I have not seen a case of pancreatitis that can be associated with the PSMF. I am unaware of any published studies indicating an association. Certainly, our patients are at increased risk for gallstones due to their obesity. However, this is not a direct association with the diet. The patients internist needs to do the usual workup for pancreatitis (if not already done) and not assume it is due to the diet.