Objective To analyze the correlations of autoimmune diseases (AIDs) with the risk of developing pancreatic endocrine and exocrine diseases.

Methods A total of 451, 497 participants from the UK Biobank were recruited, with the primary outcomes being pancreatic endocrine and exocrine diseases. International Classification of Diseases 9/10 (ICD9/10) codes were used to define each AIDs, the pancreatic endocrine and exocrine diseases. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards models were employed to assess the relationships between AIDs and pancreatic endocrine and exocrine diseases, with adjustments for age, gender, ethnicity, Townsend deprivation index, smoking, alcohol consumption, body mass index, waist circumference, hip circumference, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and gallstones.

Results A total of 415, 497 participants were included, among which 37, 482 developed pancreas-related diseases during follow-up. Among patients with AIDs, the proportions of those with pancreatic exocrine and endocrine diseases were significantly increased (P < 0.05). Rheumatoid arthritis HR(95%CI): 1.438(1.161 to 1.781), ankylosing spondylitis HR(95%CI): 1.675(1.009 to 2.780), ulcerative colitis HR(95%CI): 1.335(1.037 to 1.719), and Crohn's disease HR(95%CI): 1.530(1.154 to 2.028) were all associated with an increased risk of developing pancreatic exocrine diseases (all P < 0.05); additionally, rheumatoid arthritis HR(95%CI): 1.119(1.004 to 1.248), ulcerative colitis HR(95%CI): 1.324(1.175 to 1.491), systemic sclerosis HR(95%CI): 2.08(1.355 to 3.191), and Crohn's diseaseHR(95%CI): 1.394(1.197 to 1.624) were also associated with an increased risk of developing pancreatic endocrine diseases (all P < 0.05).

Conclusion Overall AIDs and some specific AIDs are associated with an increased risk of developing pancreatic endocrine and exocrine diseases, and early prevention of pancreatic diseases in patients with AIDs should be emphasized in clinical practice.