Risk factors associated with recurrent cholangitis in pancreatic and hepatobiliary cancers.
428 Background: Acute cholangitis due to malignant biliary obstruction is frequent in patients with pancreatic and hepatobiliary cancers. Recurrent cholangitis (RC) results in repeated hospitalization and delayed cancer care. The risk factors associated with RC are not yet defined. Methods: A pilot review was done on 146 patients admitted with a diagnosis of cholangitis from 2005 to 2014. We included demographics, cancer stage, details of first admission (FA) and interventions. Univariate and multivariate Fine-Gray models were used for statistical analysis. Results: The mean age at FA was 62 yrs, 84 (58%) were males and 99 (68%) were white. Most common cancer was pancreatic 100(69%) and 27(19%) pts had primary cholangitis at FA. During FA, interventions were performed in 114(78%), of whom 51 (45%) had percutaneous drainage (PTBD) and 63 (55%) had endoscopic drainage (ED). Readmission with cholangitis was noted in 35 (24%) cases. Univariate analysis did not show a difference between PTBD and ED. However, subgroup analysis showed external only PTBD and covered metallic stent ED had lower risk of RC. These variables remained significant on multivariate analysis (Subdistribution HR= 0.00, p<.0001 for both). Multiple previous PTBD (≥2) before FA was significantly associated with increased risk of RC (Subdistribution HR= 2.64, p= 0.01) on univariate analysis. Conclusions: Having multiple previous PTBD is associated with recurrent cholangitis. Though no significant difference was noted between PTBD and ED, the subgroups indicated a trend towards less recurrent cholangitis with covered metallic stent. [Table: see text]