Basis and History of Our Group:

Traditionally, clinical pancreatic research has been conducted by investigators at single institutions. The types of clinical studies performed in that setting and their subsequent impact on clinical management of patients with acute pancreatitis, chronic pancreatitis, cystic fibrosis, and pancreatic cancer has been constrained by the limited number of patients with these disorders at single institutions.

The Midwest Multicenter Pancreatic Study Group (MMPSG) was formed in 1994 in order to facilitate large, prospective, randomized, controlled, multicenter trials that should impact positively on the clinical management of patients with these disorders. Initial members included David C. Whitcomb, M.D., Ph.D. at the University of Pittsburgh, Charles D. Ulrich II, MD and Stephen P. Martin, MD at the University of Cincinnati, and Lawrence K. Gates, MD at the University of Kentucky. This collaboration developed due to their common interest in clinical and basic pancreatic research, the close proximity of their institutions, and the relationships that had developed at Duke University, the Mayo Clinic, and the University of Pittsburgh.

By-laws of the Midwest Multi-Center Pancreatic Study Group

Our group has established by-laws defining criteria for membership and participation in protocols. Membership is individual, not institutional. Each member is allowed to act as Principal Investigator of one active protocol, and may participate as a Co-Investigator in other protocols. Participation in each protocol is voluntary. Issues are discussed and resolved via conference calls involving all members participating in said protocol. A Coordinating Director (elected annually) facilitates communication through distribution of protocols, organization of conference calls and biannual meetings, and conduction of elections. An Executive Committee (elected annually) reviews progress on each protocol and the contributions of each individual member to each protocol and the group as a whole. Continued membership is dependent on active participation and productivity. The MMPSG meets biannually to review the findings of the Executive Committee, vote on applications for membership, and discuss other relevant issues.

Some of the Accomplishments of the Midwest Multi-Center Pancreatic Study Group

Identification and characterization of the gene defects responsible for autosomal dominant forms of hereditary pancreatitis (Gastroenterology 110:1975, 1996; Nature Genetics 14:141, 1996; Gastroenterology 113:1063, 1997).
Development of in vitro and in vivo model systems with the potential to unravel the pathophysiology underlying these forms of hereditary pancreatitis (Gastroenterology 116:A1171, 1999; J Lab Clin Med (Manuscript - In Press)).
Determination of the clinical characteristics of hereditary pancreatitis in a large kindred based on high risk haplotype (Am J Gastroenterol 92:1113, 1997).
Contribution of cases to a study assessing the risk of pancreatic cancer in patients with hereditary pancreatitis (JNCI 89:442, 1997).
Ascertainment of the prevalence and predictors of severity as defined by Atlanta Criteria in non-referred, immunocompetent patients presenting with acute pancreatitits (Gastroenterology 116:A1148, 1999; Pancreas (Manuscript - Submitted)).
Elucidation of the utility of predictors and prevalence of severity in patients with AIDS and acute pancreatitis (Gastroenterology 112:A462, 1997; Am J Gastroenterol 94:784, 1999).
Elucidation of the epidemiology of pediatric acute pancreatitis (Gastroenterology 116:A1117, 1999), evaluation of Ranson's and Glasgow scoring systems in predicting severity in children presenting with this disease (Gastroenterology 114:A451, 1998), and the development/validation of a scoring system predictive of severity in this cohort (Am J Gastroenterol 94:2627, 1999; Gastroenterology 118:A161, 2000; Gastroenterology (Manuscript - Submitted)).
Identification of a marker (admission hematocrit of 40 or less) that predicts a low risk of pancreatic necrosis in patients presenting with acute pancreatitis, reducing the need for diagnostic abdominal CT scans (Gastroenterology 116:A1176, 1999; Ann Int Med (Manuscript - Submitted)).
A case-series demonstrating the apparent efficacy of transpapillary pancreatic duct stent placement in patients with pancreatic ascites due to pancreatic duct rupture (Gastroenterology 112:A430, 1997; Gastrointest Endosc 49:710,1999).
Assessment of the frequency of altered ductal morphology and natural history of patients following appropriate pancreatic duct stent management (Gastrointest Endosc (Abstract - In Press, Manuscript - In Preparation)).
Numerous presentations of the above listed data at Regional, National, and International meetings.
Contribution of numerous patients to a multi-center British Biotech study assessing the impact of lexipafant (a platelet-activating factor receptor antagonist) on disease course in patients predicted to follow a severe course of acute pancreatitis (Study #D06/IVB/215).
Publication of Invited Reviews in Pancreas, Current Gastroenterology Reports, Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, Bailliere's Clinical Gastroenterology, Gastroenterology Clinics of North America, Surgical Clinics of North America, Medical Clinics of North America, and the Journal of Laboratory and Clinical Medicine.
The driving force behind an issue of Medical Clinics of North America (Vol. 84, Issue 3, 2000) entitled Inherited Diseases of the Pancreas - MMPSG members are Guest Editors and authors of numerous Invited Reviews within this issue.

International Symposia on Inherited Diseases of the Pancreas

The Midwest Multi-Center Pancreatic Study Group also originated and continues to sponsor and participate in biennial International Symposia on Inherited Diseases of the Pancreas.

In March of 1997, the Midwest Multi-Center Pancreatic Study Group and the American Digestive Health Foundation co-sponsored the 1st International Symposium on Hereditary Pancreatitis in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. This meeting marked a new era in studies on inherited predisposition to pancreatic disease in adults, and inspired further studies by a number of groups.

The rapid expansion of information in hereditary pancreatitis, the diversity of pancreatic pathophysiology resulting from mutations in CFTR, and advances in the genetics of pancreatic cancer provided the foundation for the 2nd International Symposium on Inherited Diseases of the Pancreas held in Cincinnati, Ohio in March of 1999. This meeting was sponsored by the Midwest Multi-Center Pancreatic Study Group in cooperation with the University of Cincinnati Division of Digestive Diseases, the University of Pittsburgh Center for Genomic Sciences, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, the American Digestive Health Foundation, and with major financial support from Solvay Pharmaceuticals. Over 100 participants from three continents discussed the rapid evolution of our understanding of these disease states. These meetings have facilitated the sharing of information and ideas from scientists and physicians worldwide.

It is based on recent technological advances and their impact on our understanding of inherited pancreatic diseases that the 3rd International Symposium on Inherited Diseases of the Pancreas will be held in Milan Italy from April 5th-7th, 2001. This meeting is being sponsored by the European Institute of Oncology and the University of Cincinnati Office of Continuing Medical Education, with major financial support from Solvay Pharmaceuticals. Sessions will include both clinical and basic research lectures relevant to hereditary pancreatic cancer, hereditary pancreatitis, and the pancreatic manifestations of cystic fibrosis gene defects. State of the art lectures highlighting the potential impact of new technology and the human genome project on these diseases will also be included. An awards banquet will honor Henry T. Lynch, MD for his pioneering contributions to the field of hereditary pancreatic cancer. An extensive social program is also being organized. The Midwest Multi-Center Pancreatic Study Group is actively participating in the organization of this meeting and is looking forward to presenting results from the ongoing research of its member institutions.

For Further Information About the Midwest Multi-Center Pancreatic Study Group

Contact the Coordinating Director, Charles D. Ulrich, II, M.D. at charles.ulrich@uc.edu

Current Members of the Midwest Multi-Center Pancreatic Study Group

Stephen T. Amann, M.D.
Director of Pancreatology and Therapeutic Endoscopy
North Mississippi Medical Center
605 Garfield Street
Tupelo, MS 38802
Phone: 662-680-5565
Fax: 662-680-5654

Frank R. Burton, M.D.
Associate Professor of Medicine
Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology
St. Louis UHSC
3635 Vista Avenue at Grand Blvd.
St. Louis, MO 63110-0250
Phone: 314-577-8764
Fax: 314-577-8125

Darwin L. Conwell, M.D.
Staff Physician
Division of Gastroenterology
Cleveland Clinic and Foundation
9500 Euclid Avenue, Desk S40
Cleveland, OH 44195
Phone: 216-444-6226
Fax: 216-444-9416

Mark T. DeMeo, M.D.
Assistant Professor of Medicine
Division of Gastroenterology
St. Luke's Rush Presbyterian Medical Center
1725 West Harrison, Suite 339
Chicago, IL 60612-3824
Phone: 312-942-5861
Fax: 312-942-9929

Babak Etemad, M.D.
Assistant Professor of Medicine
University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Presbyterian
Mezzanine Level C Wing
200 Lothrop Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15213
Phone: 412-648-9115
Fax: 412-648-9378

Christopher E. Forsmark, M.D.
Associate Professor of Medicine
Interim Chief, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition
University of Florida College of Medicine
1600 Southwest Archer Road, Room HD602
Gainesville, FL 32610-0214
Phone: 352-392-2877
Fax: 352-392-3618

Lawrence K. Gates, M.D.
Associate Professor of Medicine, Nutritional Science, and Biochemistry
Division of Digestive Diseases and Nutrition
University of Kentucky College of Medicine
800 Rose Street, Room MN 649L
Lexington, KY 40536-0084
Phone: 606-323-5203
Fax: 606-323-1020

Markus M. Lerch, M.D., Ph.D.
Professor of Medicine and Experimental Gastroenterology
Department of Medicine B
University of Munster
Albert-Schweitzer-Str. 33
Munster, Germany 48129
Phone: 49-251-834-7559
Fax: 49-251-834-9504

Albert Lowenfels, M.D.
Professor of Surgery, Department of Surgery
New York Medical College
Munger Building
Valhalla, NY 10595
Phone: 914-594-4260
Fax: 914-594-4576

Stephen P. Martin, M.D.
Associate Professor of Medicine
Director, Pancreatic Disease Center and Therapeutic Endoscopy
Division of Digestive Diseases
University of Cincinnati College of Medicine
231 Bethesda Avenue, MSB Room 6467
Cincinnati, OH 45267-0595
Phone: 513-558-5244
Fax: 513-558-5222

Richard A. Prinz, M.D.
Helen Shedd Keith Professor of Surgery
Chairman, Department of General Surgery
Rush Presbyterian St. Luke's Medical Center
1653 W. Congress Parkway
Chicago, IL 60612
Phone: 312-942-6379
Fax: 312-942-2867

Adam Slivka, M.D.,Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Medicine
Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology
University of Pittsburgh Medical Center
200 Lothrop Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15213
Phone: 412-648-7893
Fax: 412-648-9378

Lehel Somogyi, M.D., Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Medicine
Director of Endoscopic Ultrasonography
Pancreatic Disease Center and Division of Digestive Diseases
University of Cincinnati College of Medicine
231 Bethesda Avenue, MSB Room 6363
Cincinnati, OH 45267-0595
Phone: 513-558-5422
Fax: 513-558-1744

Charles D. Ulrich, II, M.D.
Associate Professor of Medicine, Pathobiology and Molecular Medicine
Director of Research, Pancreatic Disease Center
and Division of Digestive Diseases
University of Cincinnati College of Medicine
231 Bethesda Avenue, MSB Room 6555
Cincinnati, OH 45267-0595
Phone: 513-558-5244
Fax: 513-558-1744

John J. Vargo, II, M.D.
Staff Physician
Director, GI Fellowship Training Program
Division of Gastroenterology
Cleveland Clinic Foundation
9500 Euclid Avenue, Desk S40
Cleveland, Ohio 44195
Phone: 216-445-5012
Fax: 216-444-9416

David C. Whitcomb, M.D., Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Medicine, Cell Biology & Physiology, and Human Genetics
Chief, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Director, Center for Genomic Sciences
University of Pittsburgh Medical Center
571 Scaife Hall
3550 Terrace Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15261
Phone: 412-648-9622
Fax: 412-383-8913

Paul N. Yakshe, M.D.
Assistant Professor of Medicine
Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition
University of Minnesota
420 Delaware Street S.E.
Minneapolis, MN 55455
Phone: 612-625-8999
Fax: 612-625-5620