Garg SK, et al. - Because chronic pancreatitis (CP) is a common reason for visits to the Emergency Department (ED), researchers reviewed the use of ED by CP patients. The Nationwide Emergency Department Sample (2006 to 2012) was interviewed to assess trends in adult ED visits for a primary diagnosis of CP (International Classification of Disease, 9th revision, Clinical Modification code: 577.1), the rates of subsequent hospital admission, and total charges. To determine factors associated with ED hospitalization, a survey logistic regression model was used. With a primary CP diagnosis, 253,753 ED visits were identified. No significant trends have been noted in annual incidence. ED-to-hospitalization rates, however, decreased by 3% per year and mean ED charges increased by 11.8% per year after adjusting for inflation. The hospitalization was associated with higher Charlson comorbidity index, current smoker status, alcohol use, and biliary-related CP. Investigators found that length of stay reduced by 2.2% per year and inpatient charges increased by 2.9% per year in hospitalized patients. Overall, they concluded that patient characteristics associated with increased risk of ED hospitalization deserve further attention.