Early laboratory biomarkers for severity in acute pancreatitis; A systematic review and meta-analysis

Efficacy of DaXianXiong decoction in preventing the progression of severity of acute pancreatitis: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

Developing countries are facing an increase in the incidence of acute pancreatitis (AP) - characterized by rapid onset, fast progression, high rate of severity, and high mortality. Progression of AP into severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) results in a series of complications such as organ dysfunction, local abscesses, pseudocysts, and necrosis. Although the treatment of AP is primarily supportive, including fluid resuscitation and organ support, there is still a lack of consensus on the optimal management regimen for fluid therapy , and strategies to promote gastrointestinal recovery remain limited. As no effective intervention measure has yet been developed, supportive therapy remains the major approach for the early treatment of AP. DaXianXiong decoction is a widely used TCM formulation; however, limited research is conducted on its clinical efficacy. Here, we propose a standardized clinical trial to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of DaXianXiong decoction in preventing the progression of AP to SAP.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of DaXianXiong decoction in preventing AP from progressing to SAP. Assessing its impact on SAP incidence, clinical severity scores, inflammation markers, and gastrointestinal function, providing evidence for AP management.The primary outcomes will include incidence of SAP, modified CTSI score, APACHE II score, Modified Marshall score, and levels of the inflammation factor. The secondary outcomes will include the effect of the gastrointestinal dysfunction treatment. Evaluations will be conducted at baseline, 24 h after intervention, and days 3, 7, and 28 after intervention in both groups.

METHODS

This study is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, single-center clinical trial. Sixty eligible patients will be randomly allocated in a 1:1 ratio to the intervention group and the control group. Both groups will receive standard Western medical treatment for pancreatitis. The intervention group will additionally receive DaXianXiong decoction, while the control group will receive a placebo similar to the decoction.

RESULTS

This study has been funded by the Performance Incentive Project of Scientific Research Institutions in Chongqing. The trial was registered in April 2024, and data analysis is expected to be completed by April 2025. The study results will be presented at both national and international conferences and published in peer-reviewed journals.

CONCLUSIONS

This trial will help us assess the effectiveness and safety of DaXianXiong decoction in patients with AP. This study will provide clinical evidence on the efficacy and safety of DaXianXiong decoction in preventing the progression of AP to SAP. By evaluating its impact, the findings will contribute to the understanding of DaXianXiong decoction as an adjunct therapy in AP management and may offer a novel complementary treatment strategy for AP, potentially improving patient outcomes and reducing complications.

CLINICALTRIAL

Registration:http://www.chictr.org.cn/, ChiCTR2300076885, https://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.html?proj=207084.

Organ Failure and Prediction of Severity in Acute Pancreatitis

Organ failure (OF) is a sinister development in the clinical course of acute pancreatitis, and its prediction is crucial for triaging the patient. Persistent systemic inflammatory response syndrome and raised interleukin-6 levels have a good predictive accuracy. Pathophysiology involves the release of damage-associated molecular patterns as a consequence of pancreatic injury, recruitment of inflammatory cells, and the release of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines causing cytokine storm. Respiratory system is the most common and earliest to fail. Although a few therapeutic options are in the pipeline, renewed efforts are required to develop targeted therapies to mitigate systemic inflammation and OF.

Mechanism of calcitonin gene related peptide against acute pancreatitis in rats by modulating amino acid metabolism based on metabonomics

To study the mechanism of calcitonin gene related peptide(CGRP) protecting acute pancreatitis based on metabolomics. 24 adult male rats were randomly divided into control group (Con), acute pancreatitis model group (AP), CGRP treatment group (CGRP + AP, abbreviated as CGRP) and CGRP antagonist(CGRP(8-37)) pretreatment group (preCGRP(8-37) + AP, abbreviated as CGRP37), with 6 rats in each group. After different interventions, pancreases of rats in each group were collected for pathological analysis, and serum was collected for metabolomics analysis. Pathological examination of the pancreas suggested that the inflammation of pancreatitis in AP group was significant, the inflammation of pancreatitis in CGRP group was significantly reduced, and the pancreatitis in CGRP37 group was aggravated. Metabolomics of rat serum suggested that the differences in metabolites in each group were mainly related to amino acid metabolism, coenzyme/vitamin metabolism, carbohydrate metabolism, lipid metabolism, digestive system and other metabolic pathways. According to the trend of metabolite changes, we found 6 differential metabolites that were significantly correlated with CGRP intervention, including L-Valine, 5-Aminopentanoic acid, 4-oxo-L-proline, L-glutamine, L-proline, and Ornithine, all of which were related to amino acid metabolism. CGRP can effectively protect acute pancreatitis, possibly by regulating amino acid metabolism to alleviate acute pancreatitis.

YKL-40 as a risk stratification marker in acute pancreatitis: A prospective study

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Increased systemic concentrations of YKL-40 are seen in various inflammatory conditions. We explored the relationship between the serum YKL-40 concentrations and subsequent disease severity in patients with acute pancreatitis (AP).

METHODS

Consecutive adults with AP were prospectively enrolled, and classified as having mild, moderate or severe disease. On admission and 48 h later, C-reactive protein (CRP), YKL-40, interleukin-6 and 8 (IL-6, IL-8), and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) concentrations were measured. Patients were also classified as those with low (<50 ng/mL, in the range seen in 30 age and sex-matched non-AP subjects), high (≥190 ng/mL, seen in most of the other inflammatory conditions), and intermediate YKL-40 (50-189 ng/mL).

RESULTS

Incidence of mild, moderate and severe AP among the 150 enrolled patients was 80 (53.3 %), 59 (39.3 %), and 11 (7.4 %), respectively. Both on admission and 48 h later, high YKL-40 (vs. intermediate or low) was strongly associated with higher odds of a more severe AP, independently of the concurrent IL-8 and TNF-α concentrations (OR around 3.5-4.0, or higher). On admission, the association was independent also of the concurrent CRP, whereas the association between the later concentrations and the outcome was conditional on CRP - uncertain at low, strong at high CRP. The high YKL-40 - outcome association at both time-points was conditional on concurrent IL-6: uncertain if IL-6 was low, strong if IL-6 was high.

CONCLUSIONS

Serum YKL-40 is a plausible candidate for further evaluation as an early biochemical indicator of subsequent AP severity, particularly if considered jointly with CRP and/or IL-6.

Diagnostic accuracy of interleukin-6 as a biomarker for early prediction of severe acute pancreatitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is an inflammatory disease of the pancreas with varying severity. The mortality rate varies from 20% to 40% among severe acute pancreatitis (SAP). Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokine that involves various infections, inflammations, and systemic disorders. Injury to acinar cells leads to necrosis, releasing proinflammatory cytokines, including IL-6, which peaks earlier. The lack of extensive data regarding the association of IL-6 with AP influences us to do this meta-analysis for early detection and treatment of AP to prevent multiorgan failure.

Methods

We searched the PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar databases for relevant articles published from inception to June 2024. We examined the positive and negative likelihood ratios, diagnostic odds ratios, and pooled sensitivity and specificity. We used the QUADAS-2 tool to evaluate the risk of bias.

Results

This meta-analysis included 13 studies involving 1386 patients with AP, of which 343 had SAP and 1043 had mild and moderately severe AP. The positive and negative likelihood ratios were 3.5 (95% CI 2.6 to 4.5) and 0.25 (95% CI 0.16 to 0.40). The diagnostic odds ratio of IL-6 to diagnose SAP is 14 (95% CI: 7 to 27), and the summary receiver operating characteristic curve is 0.85 (95% CI: 0.82-0.88).

Conclusion

Based on the results of this meta-analysis, serum IL-6 is a promising biomarker for diagnosing SAP in the early stage. However, a larger-scale study involving a more extensive population is necessary due to the considerable variation between the studies.

Comparison of acute pancreatitis and acute on chronic pancreatitis: a retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Acute on chronic pancreatitis (ACP) shares a similar clinical presentation with acute pancreatitis (AP) and is often diagnosed and treated in the same way. However, these two conditions may have distinct clinical risk profiles and prognoses. There is currently limited evidence available regarding the specific characteristics of ACP.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study included all adult patients admitted with a diagnosis of AP or ACP between 2017 and 2019 at two tertiary referral centers. The primary outcome was disease severity as defined by the Atlanta classification. Secondary outcomes included the presence of local and systemic complications, organ failure, ICU admission, and mortality. Differences in outcomes between ACP and AP were compared using multivariate logistic regression models, with results presented as odds ratios (ORs).

RESULTS

We included 1163 patients, 90% of whom had AP and 10% had ACP. ACP patients were predominantly male (81 vs. 46%; P < 0.001), whereas AP patients were older (mean age 62.6 vs. 56.5 years, P < 0.001). ACP patients had lower amylase and lipase levels (P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis showed no difference in the risk of moderate or severe pancreatitis (OR, 1.15; 95% CI, 0.66-1.98; P = 0.615). ACP patients had a higher risk of local complications (predominantly pseudocysts) (OR, 1.71; 95% CI, 1.00-2.92; P = 0.049) and a lower risk of organ failure (P = 0.019) and ICU admission (P = 0.005).

CONCLUSION

Our study confirms previous observations that ACP has a more favorable in-hospital prognosis than AP and extends these findings to a modern European setting.

Efficiency of laparoscopic retroperitoneal pancreatic necrosectomy for treating infected pancreatic necrosis with duodenal fistula: a single-center retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Open surgical debridement was the main treatment option for infected pancreatic necrosis (IPN). However, it was associated with significant trauma, leading to a higher mortality rate. With the development of minimally invasive surgery, the step-up treatment principle centered around minimally invasive intervention, significantly reducing the incidence of complications and mortality rates among IPN patients. However, few studies have reported the efficacy of laparoscopic retroperitoneal pancreatic necrosectomy (LRPN), a new minimally invasive debridement technique, in IPN patients with duodenal fistula (DF)-a severe complication of IPN. Therefore, we analyzed the effectiveness and safety of LRPN for treating IPN with DF and discussed the impact of DF on patient prognosis.

METHODS

We retrospectively examined patients diagnosed with IPN between 2018 and 2023. The patients were divided into two groups based on the presence or absence of DF. Clinical characteristics, treatment strategies, clinical outcomes, and follow-up information were analyzed. A 1:1 propensity score-matching (PSM) method was used to assess differences in outcome indicators more accurately.

RESULTS

A total of 197 patients were examined. After PSM, no significant differences were observed between the two groups in in-hospital mortality rate, incidence of single organ failure, rate of postoperative severe complications (Clavien-Dindo Classification ≥ 3), and intensive care unit stay (P > 0.05). However, the incidence of multiorgan failure, gastrointestinal bleeding, number of percutaneous catheter drainage (PCD) procedures, surgery cases, hospital stay, and hospitalization costs were higher in the DF group (P < 0.05). Of these patients, 71.6% (n = 141) were treated with PCD + LRPN, with a conversion rate of 6.38% to open surgery. A higher proportion of patients in the non-DF group showed improved clinical outcomes solely with PCD (22.6% vs. 2.4%, P < 0.05), whereas a higher proportion of patients in the DF group underwent PCD + LRPN (88.1% vs. 67.1%, P < 0.05). Both groups showed a significant reduction in the Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score 72 h postoperatively.

CONCLUSIONS

For patients with IPN and DF, the LRPN-centered step-up strategy was safe and effective. DF prolongs hospital stay and increases hospitalization costs for patients.

Pancreatitis in children: practical management from the BSPGHAN Pancreatitis Working Group

Pancreatitis, a condition characterised by inflammation of the pancreas, has multiple aetiologies. Improving clinical proficiency in prompt diagnosis and effective management leads to better outcomes for children with acute pancreatitis, acute recurrent pancreatitis and chronic pancreatitis. Establishing consensus guidance via the British Society of Paediatric Gastroenterology Hepatology and Nutrition Pancreatitis Working Group has ensured further focus on these patients who are often cared for in a multidisciplinary framework and may prompt future research in this area. Initial assessment includes serum amylase/lipase, triglyceride levels, full blood count, C reactive protein, renal and liver function profile, glucose, calcium and capillary blood gas. Fasted transabdominal ultrasound for all children and young people with suspected pancreatitis is recommended to identify pancreatic parenchyma and pancreatobiliary ductal changes, and complications. For fluid resuscitation, use crystalloids or Ringer’s lactate: initial bolus of 10 to 20 mL/kg, 1.5–2 times maintenance volume, with hourly monitoring of urine output over the initial 24–48 hours. Initiate oral intake within the first 24 hours after fluid resuscitation; fat restriction is not recommended. For suspected autoimmune pancreatitis, workup includes immunoglobulin levels (IgG, IgM, IgA, IgG subclasses), complement components and autoantibody profile to confirm diagnosis. Significant interventional management for pancreatitis and related complications is performed via endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography or endoscopic ultrasound; referral to a specialised paediatric hepatobiliary surgical team is highly recommended. Close collaboration with a specialist centre can improve diagnostic and management pathways and outcomes for children.

Association between acute pancreatitis severity and ABO/Rh blood group

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is an inflammatory disorder associated with a significant mortality rate in its severe form. This study aimed to evaluate the association between severity of AP and ABO/Rh blood type. Retrospective chart review was conducted on hospitalized patients who met the diagnostic criteria for AP. Data collected included patient demographics, ABO/Rh blood type, etiology of pancreatitis, severity based on the Atlanta classification, and hospital length of stay. The proportion of patients who experienced severe AP was compared amongst combinations of ABO/Rh blood group. Of the 358 patients included in the study, 20.9% had non-mild AP. The proportion of patients in each blood group with non-mild AP was as follows: A: 21.1%, B: 21.4%, AB: 5.9%, O: 30.9%, Rh+: 22.0%, Rh-: 14.8%. When comparing across A, B, AB, O and Rh groups separately and in combination, there was no statistically significant correlation found between AP severity and ABO/Rh blood type. In this retrospective cohort study, no significant association between ABO/Rh blood group and severity of AP was found, suggesting that the inflammatory cascade in AP is not directly influenced by blood groups.

Diagnostic value of CRP for predicting the severity of acute pancreatitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

C-reactive protein (CRP) is a pentameric protein commonly used as a biomarker of inflammation or stress response which can be obtained during routine blood tests. Therefore, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to explore its ability to predict the severity of acute pancreatitis (AP). This meta-analysis was registered in the PROSPERO system (registration number: CRD42022353769).

METHODS

41 studies with 6156 cases of acute pancreatitis, retrieved from PubMed, Cochrane Library, Springer, and Embase databases, were incorporated. We calculated the pooled estimates for predicting the severity of acute pancreatitis based on CRP levels. We also calculated the combined negative likelihood ratio (NLR), combined positive likelihood ratio (PLR) and combined diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) using a bivariate mixed model. Sensitivity analysis was used to examine the robustness of the results. Factors associated with heterogeneity were identified by meta-regression analysis. A summary operating characteristic (SROC) curve was generated to assess the diagnostic value of CRP in predicting severe acute pancreatitis. Fagan's test was used to calculate likelihood ratios and post-test probabilities, and publication bias was gauged by asymmetry tests.

RESULTS

SROC analysis yielded an AUC of 0.85 (95%CI: 0.81-0.88) with a sensitivity of 0.76 (95%CI: 0.69-0.83) and specificity of 0.79 (95%CI: 0.74-0.83). The combined NLR, PLR and DOR were 0.30 (0.23-0.40), 3.66 (2.94-4.55) and 12.19 (8.05-18.44) respectively. Sensitivity analysis demonstrated the stability of our results after omitting any study. Finally, meta-regression analysis indicated that the description of the reference test, prospective design, blinding method and spectrum of the disease could account for heterogeneity in this meta-analysis.

CONCLUSION

CRP has significant value as a biomarker for assessing AP severity. Besides, other parameters such as patient history, physical signs, and imaging should be considered to determine disease severity.

Immune markers of severe acute pancreatitis

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Acute pancreatitis is a common acute inflammatory disorder of the pancreas, and its incidence has been increasing worldwide. Approximately 10% of acute pancreatitis progresses to severe acute pancreatitis (SAP), which carries significant morbidity and mortality. Disordered immune response to pancreatic injury is regarded as a key event that mediates systemic injury in SAP. In this article, we review recent developments in immune biomarkers of SAP and future directions for research.

RECENT FINDINGS

Given the importance of the NLRP3-inflammasome pathway in mediating systemic inflammatory response syndrome and systemic injury, recent studies have investigated associations of SAP with systemic levels of activators of NLRP3, such as the damage associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) for the first time in human SAP. For example, circulating levels of histones, mitochondrial DNAs, and cell free DNAs have been associated with SAP. A panel of mechanistically relevant immune markers (e.g., panel of Angiopoeitin-2, hepatocyte growth factor, interleukin-8 (IL-8), resistin and sTNF-α R1) carried higher predictive accuracies than existing clinical scores and individual immune markers. Of the cytokines with established relevance to SAP pathogenesis, phase 2 trials of immunotherapies, including tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha inhibition and stimulation of IL-10 production, are underway to determine if altering the immunologic response can reduce the severity of acute pancreatitis (AP).

SUMMARY

Circulating systemic levels of various DAMPs and a panel of immune markers that possibly reflect activities of different pathways that drive SAP appear promising as predictive biomarkers for SAP. But larger multicenter studies are needed for external validation. Studies investigating immune cellular pathways driving SAP using immunophenotyping techniques are scarce. Interdisciplinary efforts are also needed to bring some of the promising biomarkers to the bedside for validation and testing for clinical utility. Studies investigating the role of and characterization of altered gut-lymph and gut-microbiota in severe AP are needed.

Analysis of Risk Factors for Severe Acute Pancreatitis in the Early Period (<24 h) After Admission

BACKGROUND

Severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) has high mortality. Early identification of high-risk factors that may progress to SAP and active intervention measures may improve the prognosis of SAP patients.

OBJECTIVE

Clinical data within 24 h after admission were retrospectively analyzed to provide an evidence for early screening of high-risk factors in patients with SAP.

METHODS

A review of clinical data of acute pancreatitis patients from January 1, 2018, to December 31, 2022, was conducted. We compared the clinical data of SAP and non-SAP patients, and a multivariable logistic regression model was used to identify the independent predictors of SAP. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve of SAP was drawn for continuous numerical variables to calculate the optimal clinical cutoff value of each variable, and the predictive value of each variable was compared by the area under the ROC curve.

RESULTS

Based on the multivariate logistic regression analysis of Age (odds ratio (OR), 1.032;95% confident interval (CI),1.018-1.046, p < 0.001), body mass index (BMI) (OR, 1.181; 95% CI,1.083-1.288, p < 0.001), Non-HTGAP (nonhypertriglyceridemic acute pancreatitis) (OR, 2.098; 95% CI,1.276-3.45, p = 0.003), white blood cell count (WBC) (OR,1.072; 95% CI,1.034-1.111, p < 0.001), procalcitonin (PCT) (OR, 1.060; 95% CI, 1.027-1.095, p < 0.001), serum calcium (Ca) (OR,0.121; 95% CI, 0.050-0.292, p < 0.001), computed tomography severity index (CTSI) ≥4 (OR,12.942;95% CI,7.267-23.049, p < 0.001) were identified as independent risk factors for SAP. The area under the ROC curve (AUC) and optimal CUT-OFF values of continuous numerical variables for predicting SAP were Age (0.6079,51.5), BMI (0.6,23.25), WBC (0.6701,14.565), PCT (0.7086, 0.5175), Ca (0.7787,1.965), respectively.

CONCLUSION

Age, BMI, non-HTGAP, WBC, PCT, serum Ca and CTSI≥4 have good predictive value for SAP.

Radiological and Biochemical Parameters in Assessing Acute Pancreatitis Severity: A Comprehensive Review

Acute pancreatitis is a dynamic inflammatory condition of the pancreas with a spectrum ranging from mild to severe. Early and accurate assessment of disease severity is crucial for guiding clinical management and improving patient outcomes. This comprehensive review explores the role of radiological and biochemical parameters in assessing the severity of acute pancreatitis. Radiological imaging modalities, including computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and ultrasound (US), play a pivotal role in identifying key features, such as pancreatic necrosis and peripancreatic fluid collections, indicative of severe disease. Additionally, serum markers such as amylase, lipase, and C-reactive protein (CRP) provide valuable prognostic information and aid in risk stratification. Integrating radiological and biochemical parameters allows for a multidimensional evaluation of disease severity, enabling clinicians to make informed decisions regarding patient management. Early identification of severe cases facilitates timely interventions, including intensive care monitoring, nutritional support, and potential surgical interventions. Despite significant advancements in the field, there remain areas for further research, including the validation of emerging imaging techniques and biomarkers and the exploration of personalized management approaches. Addressing these research gaps can enhance our understanding of acute pancreatitis and ultimately improve patient care and outcomes.

Circulating Blood B and T Lymphocytes and Severity of Acute Pancreatitis: A Systematic Review Protocol

INTRODUCTION

Acute pancreatitis is an acute inflammatory process of the pancreas with a high prevalence rate and varying degrees of severity that can be potentially life threatening. Much is still unknown about which mechanisms determine the course and severity of acute pancreatitis. The primary objective of this review is to identify the potential association between circulating B and T lymphocytes and the severity of acute pancreatitis. Subgroup analyses will be done according to the severity classification of the Revised Atlanta Classification System as well as according to the distinction between B lymphocytes and T lymphocytes and the severity of acute pancreatitis.

METHODS

A systematic search will be performed in Medline, Web of Science, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled trials and ClinicalTrials.gov. Three authors will independently do the selection process as well as data extraction that will be recorded into a flow diagram following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols (PRISMA-P). The pathophysiology of acute pancreatitis is still not fully understood and its evolution is sometimes unpredictable. In this context, through this systematic review, the research team intends to determine what has been described about the role of serum lymphocytes in determining the severity of acute pancreatitis, by identifying a potential indicator of the severity of this acute disease.

Erector spinae plane block as a component of intensive care for acute pancreatitis: a prospective randomized pilot study

BACKGROUND: Analgesia is crucial in the treatment of patients with acute pancreatitis, which includes the increased use of regional analgesia. In recent years, less-invasive and safer methods of pain relief, particularly erector spinae plane block (ESP-block), has drawn attention from the anesthesiological community. However, studies on its use in acute pancreatitis are rare. OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to make a clinical evaluation of bilateral erector spinae plane block in patients with acute pancreatitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A pilot prospective randomized study was conducted. The patients were divided into two groups: group 1 (n=7), ESP blockade was used, and group 2 (n=12), epidural analgesia (EA) was used. The primary points were considered to be an assessment of pain syndrome intensity and the need for analgesics. Additional results were liver and kidney function, acid-base condition, inflammatory response level, and the time of onset of peristalsis. RESULTS: The decrease in pain intensity in both groups was unidirectional: after 8 h, it was 3.57±1.98 points to the NRS in group 1 and 2.91±1.97 points to the NRS in group 2, and after 24 h, it was 1.42±1.27 and 1.75±2.3 points to the NRS, respectively. No significant difference was found in pain intensity between the groups (р 0,05). The average consumption of ketorolac was 78.2±16.3 mg in group 2 — 63.28±17.23 mg for 1 patient. The average need for narcotic analgesics, that is, morphine, per patient was 22±8 mg in group 1 and 36.3±17.2 mg in group 2 (р 0,05). During the therapy, blood α-amylase, diuresis rate, creatinine level, and glomerular filtration rate did not have a significant difference between the groups, as well as pH, BE, and blood lactate levels (р 0,05). Peristalsis was noted after 12.49±19.73 h in the ESP-block group and after 16.9±21.3 h in the 2nd group (р 0,05). The ICU length of stay between the groups did not differ and was 62±3 and 62±7 h, respectively (р 0,05). CONCLUSION: Bilateral erector spinae plane block is a simple and safe method that induces analgesic effect and effect on homeostasis in acute pancreatitis, similar to epidural blockade. Further study of the role and location of erector spinae plane block in treating pain in acute pancreatitis is required.

Toll-like receptor 4 in pancreatic damage and immune infiltration in acute pancreatitis

Acute pancreatitis is a complex inflammatory disease resulting in extreme pain and can result in significant morbidity and mortality. It can be caused by several factors ranging from genetics, alcohol use, gall stones, and ductal obstruction caused by calcification or neutrophil extracellular traps. Acute pancreatitis is also characterized by immune cell infiltration of neutrophils and M1 macrophages. Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) is a pattern recognition receptor that has been noted to respond to endogenous ligands such as high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) protein and or exogenous ligands such as lipopolysaccharide both of which can be present during the progression of acute pancreatitis. This receptor can be found on a variety of cell types from endothelial cells to resident and infiltrating immune cells leading to production of pro-inflammatory cytokines as well as immune cell activation and maturation resulting in the furthering of pancreatic damage during acute pancreatitis. In this review we will address the various mechanisms mediated by TLR4 in the advancement of acute pancreatitis and how targeting this receptor could lead to improved outcomes for patients suffering from this condition.

An inflammation-based model for identifying severe acute pancreatitis: a single-center retrospective study

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) is potentially lethal. Considering the role of inflammation in the progression of acute pancreatitis (AP), this study aims to develop a model based on inflammatory indexes for identifying the presence of SAP.

METHODS

Overall, 253 patients with AP who were consecutively admitted between July 2018 and November 2020 were screened, of whom 60 had SAP. Systemic immune-inflammation index (SII), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR), neutrophil-to-platelet ratio (NPR), systemic inflammation response index (SIRI), platelet-to-albumin ratio (PAR), C-reactive protein-to-albumin ratio (CAR), C-reactive protein-to-lymphocyte ratio (CLR), and triglyceride glucose (TyG) index were calculated. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify independent risk factors of SAP. Then, inflammation-based models were established. Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve analyses were performed. Area under ROC curve (AUROC) was calculated.

RESULTS

Diabetes mellitus, fatty liver, high white blood cell count (WBC), C-reactive protein (CRP), red blood cell distribution width (RDW), procalcitonin (PCT), SII, NLR, NPR, CAR, CLR, and TyG index, and a low LMR were significantly associated with SAP. Considering the collinearity among these variables, 10 multivariate logistic regression analyses were separately performed. Finally, four independent inflammation-based models were established. Of them, the best one, which was calculated as follows: 1.204*fatty liver (yes = 1; no = 0) + 0.419*PCT + 0.005*CLR - 2.629, had an AUROC of 0.795 with a specificity of 73.4% and a sensitivity of 71.7%.

CONCLUSION

The inflammation-based model consisting of fatty liver, PCT, and CLR has a good diagnostic performance for SAP.

Multi-dimensional metabolomic profiling reveals dysregulated ornithine metabolism hallmarks associated with a severe acute pancreatitis phenotype

To reveal dysregulated metabolism hallmark that was associated with a severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) phenotype. In this study, LC-MS/MS-based targeted metabolomics was used to analyze plasma samples from 106 acute pancreatitis (AP) patients (34 mild, 38 moderate, and 34 severe) admitted within 48 hours from abdominal pain onset and 41 healthy controls. Temporal metabolic profiling was performed on days 1, 3, and 7 after admission. A random forest (RF) was performed to significantly determine metabolite differences between SAP and non-SAP (NSAP) groups. Mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) and immunohistochemistry were conducted for the examination of pancreatic metabolite and metabolic enzyme alterations, respectively, on necrosis and paracancerous tissues. Simultaneously determination of serum and pancreatic tissue metabolic alterations using an L-ornithine-induced AP model to discover metabolic commonalities. Twenty-two significant differential metabolites screened by RF were selected to build an accurate model for the prediction of SAP from NSAP (AUC = 0.955). Six of 22 markers were found by MSI with significant alterations in pancreatic lesions, reduced ornithine-related metabolites were also identified. The abnormally expressed arginase2 and ornithine transcarboxylase were further discovered in combination with time-course metabolic profiling in the SAP animal models, the decreased ornithine catabolites were found at a late stage of inflammation, but ornithine-associated metabolic enzymes were activated during the inflammatory process. The plasma metabolome of AP patients is distinctive, which shows promise for early SAP diagnosis. AP aggravation is linked to the activated ornithine metabolic pathway and its inadequate levels of catabolites in in-situ lesion.

Predictive value of serum retinol binding protein in severity and complications of acute pancreatitis: a retrospective cohort study

OBJECTIVES

Retinol binding protein (RBP) is associated with an increased risk of insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, atherosclerosis and hypertension. This study aimed to evaluate serum RBP levels in patients with acute pancreatitis (AP).

METHODS

The study included 1,871 AP patients, including 1,411 with mild AP (MAP), 244 with moderately severe AP (MSAP), and 186 with severe AP (SAP). Retrospective analysis was conducted on RBP concentrations and other clinical data of AP patients.

RESULTS

AP patients were subgrouped by RBP level into low RBP (LRBP), normal RBP (NRBP), and high RBP (HRBP) groups. The LRBP group showed a significantly higher proportion of SAP patients than NRBP and HRBP groups. Additionally, the LRBP group had the highest BISAP and CTSI scores among the three groups; WBC and CRP levels in the NRBP group were significantly lower than those in the LRBP and HRBP groups. RBP was better at predicting acute necrotic collection (ANC) than other local complications, with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.821. RBP was also an independent risk factor for acute lung injury (ALI) and ANC in AP patients. The AUC of RBP for predicting ALI was 0.829, with 30.45 mg/L as the optimal cutoff value, and the sensitivity and specificity were 59.70% and 96.50%, respectively. The AUC of RBP for predicting ANC was 0.821, with 28.35 mg/L as the optimal cutoff value, and the sensitivity and specificity were 61.20% and 95.50%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Serum RBP had predictive value for AP severity, local and systemic complications.

Dynamics of Serum Procalcitonin Can Predict Outcome in Patients of Infected Pancreatic Necrosis: A Prospective Analysis

BACKGROUND

Timely intervention can alter outcome in patients of infected pancreatic necrosis (IPN) but lacks adequate biomarker. Role of serum procalcitonin (PCT) in the management of IPN is understudied, and hence, this study was planned.

METHODOLOGY

All patients of acute pancreatitis with IPN without prior intervention were included. Baseline demographic, radiological and laboratory parameters were documented. PCT was measured at baseline, prior to intervention, and thereafter every 72 h. Patients were grouped into those having baseline PCT < 1.0 ng/mL and those with PCT ≥ 1.0 ng/mL and various outcome measures were compared.

RESULTS

Of the 242 patients screened, 103 cases (66 males; 64.1%) with IPN were grouped into 2: PCT < 1.0 ng/mL (n = 29) and PCT ≥ 1.0 ng/mL (n = 74). Patients with baseline PCT ≥ 1.0 ng/mL had significantly more severe disease scores. 16 out of 19 patients with rise in PCT on day-7 post-intervention expired. PCT ≥ 1.0 ng/mL group had higher need for ICU (p = 0.001) and mortality (p = 0.044). PCT > 2.25 ng/mL (aOR 22.56; p = 0.013) at baseline and failure in reduction of PCT levels to < 60% of baseline at day-7 post-intervention (aOR 53.76; p = 0.001) were significant mortality predictors.

CONCLUSION

Baseline PCT > 1.0 ng/mL is associated with poor outcome. PCT > 2.25 ng/mL and failure in reduction of PCT levels to < 60% of its baseline at day-7 post-intervention can identify high-mortality risk patients.

Interleukin-6 is better than C-reactive protein for the prediction of infected pancreatic necrosis and mortality in patients with acute pancreatitis

INTRODUCTION

This study aimed to identify whether interleukin-6 (IL-6) is better than C-reactive protein (CRP) for the prediction of severe acute pancreatitis (SAP), infected pancreatic necrosis (IPN), and mortality.

METHODS

Sixty-seven patients with acute pancreatitis (AP) who were hospitalized within 48 h of onset and received serum CRP and IL-6 tests from September 2018 to September 2019 were included. Spearman's correlation was performed to assess their associations with severity. The areas under the curve (AUCs) for the prediction of SAP, organ failure, pancreatic necrosis, IPN, and mortality were estimated using receiver operating characteristic curves.

RESULT

Serum CRP and IL-6 levels were significantly positively correlated with the severity of AP (p < 0.05). The AUC for the prediction of SAP based on the CRP level was 0.78 (95% CI, 0.66-0.89) and that based on the IL-6 level was 0.69 (95% CI, 0.56-0.82). For the prediction of organ failure and pancreatic necrosis, CRP was more accurate than IL-6 (AUC 0.80 vs. 0.72 and 0.75 vs. 0.68, respectively). However, CRP was less accurate than IL-6 for predicting mortality and IPN (AUC 0.70 vs. 0.75 and 0.65 vs. 0.81, respectively). Systemic inflammatory response syndrome plus CRP was more accurate than systemic inflammatory response syndrome plus IL-6 (AUC 0.79 vs. 0.72) for the prediction of SAP.

CONCLUSIONS

IL-6 was more accurate than CRP for predicting mortality and IPN in patients with AP.

Predicting persistent organ failure on admission in patients with acute pancreatitis: development and validation of a mobile nomogram

BACKGROUND

Early prediction of persistent organ failure (POF) is important for triage and timely treatment of patients with acute pancreatitis (AP).

METHODS

All AP patients were consecutively admitted within 48 h of symptom onset. A nomogram was developed to predict POF on admission using data from a retrospective training cohort, validated by two prospective cohorts. The clinical utility of the nomogram was defined by concordance index (C-index), decision curve analysis (DCA), and clinical impact curve (CIC), while the performance by post-test probability.

RESULTS

There were 816, 398, and 880 patients in the training, internal and external validation cohorts, respectively. Six independent predictors determined by logistic regression analysis were age, respiratory rate, albumin, lactate dehydrogenase, oxygen support, and pleural effusion and were included in the nomogram (web-based calculator: https://shina.shinyapps.io/DynNomapp/). This nomogram had reasonable predictive ability (C-indexes 0.88/0.91/0.81 for each cohort) and promising clinical utility (DCA and CIC). The nomogram had a positive likelihood ratio and post-test probability of developing POF in the training, internal and external validation cohorts of 4.26/31.7%, 7.89/39.1%, and 2.75/41%, respectively, superior or equal to other prognostic scores.

CONCLUSIONS

This nomogram can predict POF of AP patients and should be considered for clinical practice and trial allocation.

Acute Pancreatitis: Diagnosis and Treatment

Acute pancreatitis is a common indication for hospital admission, increasing in incidence, including in children, pregnancy and the elderly. Moderately severe acute pancreatitis with fluid and/or necrotic collections causes substantial morbidity, and severe disease with persistent organ failure causes significant mortality. The diagnosis requires two of upper abdominal pain, amylase/lipase ≥ 3 ×upper limit of normal, and/or cross-sectional imaging findings. Gallstones and ethanol predominate while hypertriglyceridaemia and drugs are notable among many causes. Serum triglycerides, full blood count, renal and liver function tests, glucose, calcium, transabdominal ultrasound, and chest imaging are indicated, with abdominal cross-sectional imaging if there is diagnostic uncertainty. Subsequent imaging is undertaken to detect complications, for example, if C-reactive protein exceeds 150 mg/L, or rarer aetiologies. Pancreatic intracellular calcium overload, mitochondrial impairment, and inflammatory responses are critical in pathogenesis, targeted in current treatment trials, which are crucially important as there is no internationally licenced drug to treat acute pancreatitis and prevent complications. Initial priorities are intravenous fluid resuscitation, analgesia, and enteral nutrition, and when necessary, critical care and organ support, parenteral nutrition, antibiotics, pancreatic exocrine and endocrine replacement therapy; all may have adverse effects. Patients with local complications should be referred to specialist tertiary centres to guide further management, which may include drainage and/or necrosectomy. The impact of acute pancreatitis can be devastating, so prevention or reduction of the risk of recurrence and progression to chronic pancreatitis with an increased risk of pancreas cancer requires proactive management that should be long term for some patients.

CT Characteristics of Acute Pancreatitis with Preexisting Fatty Liver and Its Impact on Pancreatitis Severity and Persistent Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome

Purpose

To study the CT characteristics of acute pancreatitis (AP) associated with preexisting fatty liver (FL) and the impact of preexisting FL on the severity of AP and persistent systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS).

Patients and Methods

A total of 189 patients with AP were divided into AP with and without preexisting FL. The CT features, clinical characteristics, severity of AP, and presence of persistent SIRS between the two groups were compared. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to determine the risk factors for predicting SIRS. The diagnostic performances of the risk factors were evaluated by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis.

Results

Among the 189 patients, 49.7% (94/189) had preexisting FL. On CT, AP patients with preexisting FL were more likely to develop necrosis (23.4% vs 10.5%, p=0.021), local complications (45.7% vs 29.5%, p=0.025) and persistent SIRS (59.6% vs 27.4%, p<0.001). Multivariate analysis showed that preexisting FL (OR=2.863, 95% CI: 1.264–6.486, p=0.012), APACHE II≥6 (OR=1.334, 95% CI: 1.117–1.594, p=0.002), and MCTSI ≥4 (OR=1.489, 95% CI: 1.046–2.119, p=0.027) could be independent risk factors for persistent SIRS. The areas under the ROC curve of preexisting FL, APACHE II, and MCISI in diagnosing AP patients with persistent SIRS were 0.664, 0.703, and 0.783, respectively.

Conclusion

Patients with preexisting FL were more likely to develop necrosis and local complications on CT and present more severe AP and persistent SIRS. Preexisting FL can be an independent risk factor in predicting the presence of persistent SIRS in patients with AP.

The course of acute pancreatitis in children and potential simple laboratory markers of severity - a single centre retrospective study

AIM

To evaluate the usefulness of routinely measured biochemical and complete blood count parameters as potential markers of the severity of pediatric acute pancreatitis.

METHODS

The retrospective study included children with acute pancreatitis hospitalised over a 3-year period. Demographic, clinical and laboratory data were collected.

RESULTS

55 patients were enrolled in the study. Mild acute pancreatitis was diagnosed in 45 children (82%), moderately severe in 7 (13%), and severe in 3 patients (5%). Together 10 children (18%) were categorized into a single severe group. Children with severe acute pancreatitis had higher white blood cell and platelet counts on admission as well as a C-reactive protein concentration after 48 hours. The C-reactive protein concentration after 48 hours (cut-off: 127,2 mg/l) and the white blood cell count on admission (cut-off: 13,5x10³ /μl) were found to be statistically significant markers in predicting the severity of the disease. The C-reactive protein concentration after 48 hours was demonstrated as an independent predictor.

CONCLUSION

Severe acute pancreatitis is observed in a quite significant percentage of children. The white blood cell count on admission and the C-reactive protein concentration after 48 hours (as an independent predictor) may be potential simple laboratory markers of the severity of the disease.

Role of Pancreatic Stone Protein as an Early Biomarker for Risk Stratification of Acute Pancreatitis

BACKGROUND

Early risk stratification of acute pancreatitis is crucial to improve clinical outcomes. The objective of this study was to evaluate the ability of pancreatic stone protein (PSP) to predict acute pancreatitis severity and to compare it with the biomarkers and severity scores currently used for that purpose.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Prospective single-center observational study enrolling 268 adult patients with acute pancreatitis. Biomarkers including PSP were measured upon admission to the Emergency Department and severity scores as SOFA, PANC-3, and BISAP were computed. Patients were classified into mild-moderate (non-severe) and severe acute pancreatitis according to the Determinant-Based Classification Criteria. Area under the curve (AUC) and regression analysis were used to analyze the discrimination abilities and the association of biomarkers and scores with severity.

RESULTS

Two hundred and thirty-five patients (87.7%) were classified as non-severe and 33 (12.3%) as severe acute pancreatitis. Median [IQR] PSP was increased in patients with severe acute pancreatitis (890 μg/L [559-1142] vs. 279 μg/L [141-496]; p < 0.001) and it was the best predictor (ROC AUC: 0.827). In multivariate analysis, PSP and urea were the only independent predictors for severe acute pancreatitis and a model combining them both ("biomarker model") showed an AUC of 0.841 for prediction of severe acute pancreatitis, higher than the other severity scores.

CONCLUSIONS

PSP is a promising biomarker for predicting the severity of acute pancreatitis upon admission. A model combining PSP and urea might further constitute a potential tool for early risk stratification of this disease.

Radiomics and Its Applications and Progress in Pancreatitis: A Current State of the Art Review

Radiomics involves high-throughput extraction and analysis of quantitative information from medical images. Since it was proposed in 2012, there are some publications on the application of radiomics for (1) predicting recurrent acute pancreatitis (RAP), clinical severity of acute pancreatitis (AP), and extrapancreatic necrosis in AP; (2) differentiating mass-forming chronic pancreatitis (MFCP) from pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), focal autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) from PDAC, and functional abdominal pain (functional gastrointestinal diseases) from RAP and chronic pancreatitis (CP); and (3) identifying CP and normal pancreas, and CP risk factors and complications. In this review, we aim to systematically summarize the applications and progress of radiomics in pancreatitis and it associated situations, so as to provide reference for related research.

Predicting Severity of Acute Pancreatitis

Acute pancreatitis has a diverse etiology and natural history, and some patients have severe complications with a high risk of mortality. The prediction of the severity of acute pancreatitis should be achieved by a careful ongoing clinical assessment coupled with the use of a multiple-factor scoring system and imaging studies. Over the past 40 years, various scoring systems have been suggested to predict the severity of acute pancreatitis. However, there is no definite and ideal scoring system with a high sensitivity and specificity. The interest in new biological markers and predictive models for identifying severe acute pancreatitis testifies to the continued clinical importance of early severity prediction. Although contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) is considered the gold standard for diagnosing pancreatic necrosis, early scanning for the prediction of severity is limited because the full extent of pancreatic necrosis may not develop within the first 48 h of presentation. This article provides an overview of the available scoring systems and biochemical markers for predicting severe acute pancreatitis, with a focus on their characteristics and limitations.

Correlation of Different Serum Biomarkers with Prediction of Early Pancreatic Graft Dysfunction Following Simultaneous Pancreas and Kidney Transplantation

Background: Despite recent advances and refinements in perioperative management of simultaneous pancreas−kidney transplantation (SPKT) early pancreatic graft dysfunction (ePGD) remains a critical problem with serious impairment of early and long-term graft function and outcome. Hence, we evaluated a panel of classical blood serum markers for their value in predicting early graft dysfunction in patients undergoing SPKT. Methods: From a prospectively collected database medical data of 105 patients undergoing SPKT between 1998 and 2018 at our center were retrospectively analyzed. The primary study outcome was the detection of occurrence of early pancreatic graft dysfunction (ePGD), the secondary study outcome was early renal graft dysfunction (eRGD) as well as all other outcome parameters associated with the graft function. In this context, ePGD was defined as pancreas graft-related complications including graft pancreatitis, pancreatic abscess/peritonitis, delayed graft function, graft thrombosis, bleeding, rejection and the consecutive need for re-laparotomy due to graft-related complications within 3 months. With regard to analyzing ePGD, serum levels of white blood cell count (WBC), C-reactive protein (CRP), procalcitonin (PCT), pancreatic lipase as well as neutrophil−lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet−lymphocyte ratio (PLR) were measured preoperatively and at postoperative days (POD) 1, 2, 3 and 5. Further, peak serum levels of CRP and lipase during the first 72 h were evaluated. Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curves were performed to assess their predictive value for ePGD and eRGD. Cut-off levels were calculated with the Youden index. Significant diagnostic biochemical cut-offs as well as other prognostic clinical factors were tested in a multivariate logistic regression model. Results: Of the 105 patients included, 43 patients (41%) and 28 patients (27%) developed ePGD and eRGD following SPKT, respectively. The mean WBC, PCT, NLR, PLR, CRP and lipase levels were significantly higher on most PODs in the ePGD group compared to the non-ePGD group. ROC analysis indicated that peak lipase (AUC: 0.82) and peak CRP levels (AUC: 0.89) were highly predictive for ePGD after SPKT. The combination of both achieved the highest AUC (0.92; p < 0.01) in predicting ePGD. Concerning eRGD, predictive accuracy of all analyzed serological markers was moderate (all AUC < 0.8). Additionally, multivariable analysis identified previous dialysis/no preemptive transplantation (OR 2.4 (95% CI: 1.41−4.01), p = 0.021), donor age (OR 1.07 (95% CI: 1.03−1.14), p < 0.010), donor body mass index (OR 1.32 (95% CI: 1.01−1.072), p = 0.04), donors cerebrovascular cause of death (OR 7.8 (95% CI: 2.21−26.9), p < 0.010), donor length of ICU stay (OR 1.27 (95% CI: 1.08−1.49), p < 0.010), as well as CIT pancreas (OR 1.07 (95% CI: 1.03−1.14), p < 0.010) as clinical relevant prognostic predictors for ePGD. Further, a peak of lipase (OR 1.04 (95% CI: 1.02−1.07), p < 0.010), peak of CRP levels (OR 1.12 (95% CI: 1.02−1.23), p < 0.010), pancreatic serum lipase concentration on POD 2 > 150 IU/L (OR 2.9 (95% CI: 1.2−7.13), p = 0.021) and CRP levels of ≥ 180 ng/mL on POD 2 (OR 3.6 (95% CI: 1.54−8.34), p < 0.01) and CRP levels > 150 ng/mL on POD 3 (OR 4.5 (95% CI: 1.7−11.4), p < 0.01) were revealed as independent biochemical predictive variables for ePGD after transplantation. Conclusions: In the current study, the combination of peak lipase and CRP levels were highly effective in predicting early pancreatic graft dysfunction development following SPKT. In contrast, for early renal graft dysfunction the predictive value of this parameter was less sensitive. Intensified monitoring of these parameters may be helpful for identifying patients at a higher risk of pancreatic ischemia reperfusion injury and various IRI- associated postoperative complications leading to ePGD and thus deteriorated outcome.

JPN clinical practice guidelines 2021 with easy-to-understand explanations for the management of acute pancreatitis

BACKGROUND

In preparing the Japanese (JPN) guidelines for the management of acute pancreatitis 2021, the committee focused the issues raised by the results of nationwide epidemiological survey in 2016 in Japan METHOD: In addition to a systematic search using the previous JPN guidelines, papers published from January 2014 to September 2019 were searched for the contents to be covered by the guidelines based on the concept of GRADE system.

RESULTS

Thirty-six clinical questions (CQ) were prepared in 15 subject areas. Base on the facts that patients diagnosed with severe disease by both Japanese prognostic factor score and contrast-enhanced CT grade had a high fatality rate and that little prognosis improvement after 2 weeks of disease onset was not obtained, we emphasized the importance of Pancreatitis Bundles, which was shown to be effective in improving prognosis, and the CQ sections for local pancreatic complications had been expanded to ensure adoption of a step-up approach. Furthermore, on the facts that enteral nutrition for severe acute pancreatitis was not started early within 48 hours of admission and that unnecessary prophylactic antibiotics was used in almost all cases, we emphasized early enteral nutrition in small amounts even if gastric feeding is used and no prophylactic antibiotics in mild pancreatitis.

CONCLUSION

All the members of the committee have put a lot of effort into preparing the extensively revised guidelines in the hope that more people will have a common understanding and that better medical care will be spread.

C-REACTIVE PROTEIN AS A MARKER OF CLINICAL AND LABORATORY REMISSION IN PATIENTS WITH ACUTE NECROTIZING PANCREATITIS

OBJECTIVE

The aim: To estimate the role of C-reactive protein levels as a marker of clinical and laboratory remission in patients with acute necrotizing pancreatitis.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Materials and methods: A single-center retrospective non-randomized study of 68 patients (37 (54%) men, 31 (46%) women) was carried out in the period from September 2019 to October 2020. The patients were divided into two groups: group 1 included 9 (13.2%) patients rehospitalized within a month of observation after being discharged from hospital with improvement, group 2 consisted of 59 (86.8%) patients not readmitted within the observation period. A standard package of Microsoft Excel, program MedStat v.5.2, W-test Wilcoxon and the Fisher transform was used to record, calculate and compare data.

RESULTS

Results: Patients in groups 1 and 2 did not statistically differ in age (p = 0.727), gender (p = 0.202), body mass index (BMI) (p = 0.447), length of hospital stay (p = 0.913), volume of pancreatic lesion according to СTSI (p = 0.313) and severity of disease (p = 0.205). Incidence of pancreatic necrosis infection was 88.8% (p = 0.007) in group 1 versus 35.6% in group 2. In the group of rehospitalized patients, the level of C-reactive protein upon discharge was significantly higher (Me ± m 80.8± 9.734 (66) -88), CI 95%) compared with the patients from the group without readmission (Me ± m 21.36± 2.285 (16.1-31.1) CI 95%) p <0.001. As the "critical" CRP level for group 1, indicating readmission for infectious complications of AP, was chosen the value of the left limit of 95% CI (confidence interval), which made up ≥64.5 mg / ml.

CONCLUSION

Conclusions: According to the results of our study, the risk of readmission in patients with CRP level ≥64.5 mg / L prior to being discharged exceeded 41 times the risk of readmission in those with lower CRP values (RR 41.5 ± 1.008 (95% CI 5.75-299, p = 0.04)). For each patient with CRP levels ≥64.5 mg / L, the risk of readmission within the first month after being discharged was 71% (95% CI 40.7-88.6, p = 0.03).

Cytokine signature for predicting new-onset prediabetes after acute pancreatitis: A prospective longitudinal cohort study

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

Acute inflammation of the pancreas often leads to metabolic sequelae, the most common of which is new-onset prediabetes (and, ultimately, diabetes). However, there is a lack of studies on predictors of this sequela. The aim was to investigate whether cytokines/chemokines measured at baseline are predictive of new-onset prediabetes after acute pancreatitis (NOPAP).

METHODS

This was a prospective longitudinal cohort study (as part of the LACERTA project) that included 68 individuals with non-necrotising acute pancreatitis who had no diabetes mellitus. Of them, 17 individuals had prediabetes at baseline and during follow-up, 37 individuals had normoglycaemia at baseline and during follow-up, and 14 individuals had normoglycaemia at baseline and developed NOPAP during follow-up. A commercially available human cytokine/chemokine multiplex kit was used to measure a total of 28 analytes at baseline. Multinomial regression analyses were conducted to investigate the associations between the cytokines/chemokines and the three study groups.

RESULTS

Interleukin-1β and interferon γ significantly predicted progression to NOPAP with an odds ratio (95% confidence interval) of 1.097 (1.002, 1.201) and 1.094 (1.003, 1.192), respectively (after accounting for age, sex, body mass index, and aetiology of acute pancreatitis). None of the studied cytokines/chemokines showed statistically significant associations with the antecedent prediabetes group (after accounting for the above covariates).

CONCLUSION

Elevated levels of interleukin-1β and interferon γ in acute pancreatitis individuals with normoglycaemia at baseline may predict progression to NOPAP during follow-up.

Cytokine Profile Elevations on Admission Can Determine Risks of Severe Acute Pancreatitis in Children

OBJECTIVES

To utilize a Luminex platform to examine multiple cytokines simultaneously as well as clinical laboratory testing to identify markers that predict acute pancreatitis severity in the pediatric population on admission.

STUDY DESIGN

Patients (<19 years of age) prospectively enrolled over a 4-year period in a single institution acute pancreatitis database were included in separate derivation and validation cohorts. Plasma samples were obtained within 48 hours of admission and stored for analysis. Samples from mild acute pancreatitis and severe acute pancreatitis (moderately severe and severe combined) were analyzed using Luminex panels and C-reactive protein (CRP) testing.

RESULTS

The derivation cohort examined 62 cytokines in 66 subject samples (20 control, 36 mild acute pancreatitis, 10 severe acute pancreatitis) and identified interleukin 6 (IL-6) (P = .02) and monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) (P = .02) as cytokines that were differentially expressed between mild and severe acute pancreatitis. Our validation cohort analyzed 76 cytokines between 10 controls, 19 mild acute pancreatitis, and 6 severe acute pancreatitis subjects. IL-6 (P = .02) and MCP-1 (P = .007) were again found to differentiate mild acute pancreatitis from severe acute pancreatitis. CRP values were obtained from 53 of the subjects, revealing a strong association between elevated CRP values and progression to severe disease (P < .0001).

CONCLUSIONS

This study identified and validated IL-6 and MCP-1 as predictors of severe acute pancreatitis using 2 distinct cohorts and showed that CRP elevation is a marker of progression to severe acute pancreatitis. These biomarkers have not been extensively studied in the pediatric acute pancreatitis population. Our data allows for risk-stratification of patients with acute pancreatitis, and represent novel insight into the immunologic response in severe acute pancreatitis.

Heparin-binding protein is significantly increased in acute pancreatitis

Background

Most patients with acute pancreatitis (AP) experience mild, self-limiting disease with little or no need for hospital care. However, 20–25% of patients develop a more severe and potentially life-threatening condition with progressive systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) and multiorgan failure, resulting in high morbidity and mortality rates. Predicting disease severity at an early stage is important, as immediate supportive care has been demonstrated to reduce the incidence of SIRS and organ failure, improving patient outcome. Several studies have demonstrated elevated levels of heparin-binding protein (HBP) in patients with sepsis and septic shock, and HBP is believed to play a part in endothelial dysfunction leading to vascular leakage. As HBP levels increase prior to other known biomarkers, HBP has emerged as a promising early predictor of severe sepsis with organ dysfunction.

Methods

Patients admitted to Skåne University Hospital in Malmö between 2010 and 2013 fulfilling the criteria for AP were identified in the emergency department and prospectively enrolled in this study. The primary outcome was measured levels of HBP upon hospital admission in patients with confirmed AP. Correlations among HBP concentrations, disease severity and fluid balance were considered secondary endpoints. The correlation between HBP levels and fluid balance were analysed using Pearson correlation, and the ability of HBP to predict moderately severe/severe AP was assessed using a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve.

Results

The overall median HBP level in this study was 529 (307–898) ng/ml. There were no significant group differences in HBP levels based on AP severity. Fluid balance differed significantly between patients with mild versus moderately severe and severe pancreatitis, but we found no correlation between HBP concentration and fluid balance.

Conclusions

HBP levels are dramatically increased in patients with AP, and these levels far exceed those previously reported in other conditions. In this study, we did not observe any significant correlation between HBP levels and disease severity or the need for intravenous fluid. Additional studies on HBP are needed to further explore the role of HBP in the pathogenesis of AP and its possible clinical implications.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12876-021-01910-6.

Ranson score to stratify severity in Acute Pancreatitis remains valid - Old is gold

Introduction: Acute pancreatitis (AP) is a common gastrointestinal disease with a wide spectrum of severity and morbidity. Developed in 1974, the Ranson score was the first scoring system to prognosticate AP. Over the past decades, while the Ranson score remains widely used, it was identified to have certain limitations, such as having low predictive power. It has also been criticized for its 48-hour requirement for computation of the final score, which has been argued to potentially delay management. With advancements in our understanding of AP, is the Ranson score still relevant as an effective prognostication system for AP?Areas covered: This review summarizes the available evidence comparing Ranson score with other conventional and novel scoring systems, in terms of prognostic accuracy, benefits, limitations and clinical applicability. It also evaluates the effectiveness of Ranson score with regard to the Revised Atlanta Classification.Expert opinion: The Ranson score consistently exhibits comparable prognostic accuracy to other newer scoring systems, and the 48-hour timeframe for computing the full Ranson score is an inherent strength, not a weakness. These aspects, coupled with relative ease of use, practicality and universality of the score, advocate for the continued relevance of the Ranson score in modern clinical practice.

The Initial Course of IL1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12, IFN-γ and TNF-α with Regard to Severity Grade in Acute Pancreatitis

Clinical reports on early immune dysregulation in acute pancreatitis (AP) are scarce. Herein we investigate the initial temporal development of selected biomarkers. Blood samples were taken at 0–24 and 25–48 h after onsets of AP were acquired. Mean values and temporal intermediate difference (delta-values) of IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12, IFN-γ and TNF-α were calculated. Differences between severity groups, predictive capacity of the biomarkers and association with severe disease were analyzed. Paired comparison of samples (n = 115) taken at 0–24 and 25–48 h after onsets of AP showed a change over time for IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8 and IL-10 (p < 0.05) and a significant difference between severity groups after 24 h. In ROC-analysis an IL-6 cut-off level of 196.6 pg/mL could differentiate severe AP (sensitivity 81.9, specificity 91.3). The delta-values of IL-1β and IL-6 were significantly associated with severe outcomes (odds ratios 1.085 and 1.002, respectively). Data of this work demonstrate a distinct change in IL-1β, IL-8, IL-10 and IL-6 over the first 48 h after onset of AP. The temporal development of biomarkers can assist in the early stratification of the disease. Herein IL-1β and IL-6 were associated with severe disease, however the prognostic capacity of investigated biomarkers is low.

Metabolomic-based clinical studies and murine models for acute pancreatitis disease: A review

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is one of the most common gastroenterological disorders requiring hospitalization and is associated with substantial morbidity and mortality. Metabolomics nowadays not only help us to understand cellular metabolism to a degree that was not previously obtainable, but also to reveal the importance of the metabolites in physiological control, disease onset and development. An in-depth understanding of metabolic phenotyping would be therefore crucial for accurate diagnosis, prognosis and precise treatment of AP. In this review, we summarized and addressed the metabolomics design and workflow in AP studies, as well as the results and analysis of the in-depth of research. Based on the metabolic profiling work in both clinical populations and experimental AP models, we described the metabolites with potential utility as biomarkers and the correlation between the altered metabolites and AP status. Moreover, the disturbed metabolic pathways correlated with biological function were discussed in the end. A practical understanding of current and emerging metabolomic approaches applicable to AP and use of the metabolite information presented will aid in designing robust metabolomics and biological experiments that result in identification of unique biomarkers and mechanisms, and ultimately enhanced clinical decision-making.

Hypertriglyceridemia is often under recognized as an aetiologic risk factor for acute pancreatitis: A population-based cohort study

BACKGROUND

Severe hypertriglyceridemia (HTG) is a well-known risk factor for acute pancreatitis, but updated population-based estimates on incidence of HTG-associated pancreatitis are lacking.

METHODS

We identified all individuals with severe HTG (triglyceride level >10 mmol/L [886 mg/dL]) in a population-based sample from 2008 to 2019 and linked these with Danish nationwide health-registers to identify patients with acute pancreatitis. Pancreatitis cases were subsequently confirmed by a detailed medical chart review. Crude and standardized incidence rates were estimated and studied in relation to age, gender and time-period. In addition, aetiological classification designated during index hospitalization, severity and follow-up of individuals with HTG-associated pancreatitis were studied.

RESULTS

Among 2146 individuals with severe HTG during the observation period, 75 were diagnosed with acute pancreatitis (3.5%). The mean incidence rate of HTG-associated pancreatitis was 1.4 (95% CI, 1.1-1.7) per 100,000 person years for the total population, for women it was 0.7 (95% CI, 0.5-1.1) and for men 2.0 (95% CI, 1.5-2.6) per 100,000 person-years. The mean incidence rate increased from 0.7 to 1.7 per 100,000 person-years from 2008 to 2019 (p_trend = 0.01). The highest incidence rate of HTG-associated pancreatitis was observed for men in the age group 50-59 years. An elevated triglyceride level was recognized as aetiological risk factor in 35% of patients during index hospitalization.

CONCLUSIONS

Only a fraction of patients with severe HTG are hospitalized for acute pancreatitis, but the incidence is increasing. In more than half of patients elevated triglycerides is not recognized as a risk factor for acute pancreatitis during index hospitalization.