Applicability of disseminated intravascular coagulation parameters in the assessment of the severity of acute pancreatitis

Predictive value of thrombin-antithrombin III complex and tissue plasminogen activator-inhibitor complex biomarkers in assessing the severity of early-stage acute pancreatitis

BACKGROUND AND AIM

The development of acute pancreatitis (AP) is strongly linked to blood clotting and fibrinolysis issues. Modern clinical practices now utilize advanced blood markers like thrombin-antithrombin III complex (TAT), plasmin-α2-plasmin inhibitor complex, thrombomodulin (TM), and tissue plasminogen activator-inhibitor complex (t-PAIC) to assess thrombosis risk. Our study used a highly sensitive chemiluminescence technique to measure these markers in AP patients, aiming to determine their early predictive value for AP severity.

METHODS

There were 173 patients with AP, all of whom developed symptoms within 72 h; 102 individuals had onset symptoms within 48 h. The biomarkers were measured upon admission before determining the severity of AP.

RESULTS

The levels of TAT, plasmin-α2-plasmin inhibitor complex, TM, and t-PAIC were significantly higher in the severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) group compared with the mild acute pancreatitis and moderate severe acute pancreatitis groups. For the patients within 72 h of onset, TAT, TM, and t-PAIC predicted the occurrence of SAP. For the patients within 48 h of onset, TAT and t-PAIC predicted the occurrence of SAP. The area under the curve (AUC) of prediction models is similar to Bedside Index for Severity in Acute Pancreatitis (BISAP) but significantly higher than C-reactive protein (P < 0.05). Notably, t-PAIC had a larger AUC than TAT, BISAP, and C-reactive protein.

CONCLUSION

In the initial 48 h, plasma TAT and t-PAIC levels may predict the development of SAP. Within 72 h, plasma levels of TAT, TM, and t-PAIC may predict the development of SAP, and the TAT + TM + t-PAIC prediction model achieved a maximum AUC of 0.915, comparable to BISAP.

Severe Acute Pancreatitis Rapidly Developed Into Pulmonary Edema and Diffuse Alveolar Hemorrhage Leading to Respiratory Failure: An Autopsy Case

Acute pancreatitis often results in life-threatening situations, making a prompt and accurate diagnosis cardinally important. To achieve these, it is crucial to correctly identify characteristic symptoms and test findings. However, when patients do not exhibit distinctive symptoms during a physician's examination, in addition to limited resources, these can become challenging. In this manuscript, we present an instructive case. A male in his twenties, who complained of generalized malaise, was admitted to our hospital. Unfortunately, however, he passed away within two days prior to undergoing detailed examinations or receiving therapeutic interventions. We performed an autopsy in order to ascertain the reasons for this outcome. The findings revealed that pulmonary edema and diffuse alveolar hemorrhage were the causative factors of his demise, with acute pancreatitis observed in the background. The occurrence of acute pancreatitis leading to death in youths is infrequent. Where could we have intervened to halt such an unfortunate course in a young individual? This patient probably had diabetic ketoacidosis and hyperlipidemia, both of which are known to be closely associated with acute pancreatitis. In retrospect, we should have noticed this point. In this case, the condition progressed too rapidly for appropriate therapeutic interventions. We believe that this case would provide educational instruction for similar situations that could arise in the future.

Clinical significance of reactive thrombocytosis in the course of acute pancreatitis

BACKGROUND

Reactive thrombocytosis occurs secondary to systemic infections, inflammatory, and other conditions. The relationship between thrombocytosis and acute pancreatitis (AP) in inflammatory diseases is uncertain. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical significance of thrombocytosis in AP patients during hospitalization.

METHODS

Subjects within 48 h of AP onset were consecutively enrolled over 6 years. Platelet counts of ≥ 450,000/µL were defined as thrombocytosis, < 100,000/µL as thrombocytopenia, and other counts as normal. We compared clinical characteristics, including the rate of severe AP (SAP) assessed by the Japanese Severity Score; blood markers, including hematologic and inflammatory factors and pancreatic enzymes during hospitalization; and pancreatic complications and outcomes in the three groups.

RESULTS

A total of 108 patients were enrolled. Although, SAP was more common in patients with thrombocytosis and thrombocytopenia (87.9% and 100%, respectively), the differences in lymphocytes and C-reactive protein, lactase dehydrogenase, and antithrombin levels, which are factors of the systemic inflammatory response, and the mean platelet volume, an indicator of platelet activation, were observed among patients with thrombocytosis and thrombocytopenia during hospitalization. Regarding pancreatic complications and outcomes, patients with thrombocytosis and thrombocytopenia had higher acute necrotic collection (ANC), pancreatic necrosis, intestinal paralysis, respiratory dysfunction, and pancreatic-related infection levels than patients with normal platelet levels. The relationship between pancreatic complications and thrombocytosis was assessed by multivariate logistic regression; the odds ratios for development of ANC, pancreatic necrosis and pancreatic-related infections were 7.360, 3.735 and 9.815, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Thrombocytosis during hospitalization for AP suggests development of local pancreatic complications and pancreatic-related infections.

Administration of Warfarin Inhibits the Development of Cerulein-Induced Edematous Acute Pancreatitis in Rats

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is a severe disease with high morbidity and mortality in which inflammation and coagulation play crucial roles. The development of inflammation leads to vascular injury, endothelium and leukocytes stimulation, and an increased level of tissue factor, which results in the activation of the coagulation process. For this reason, anticoagulants may be considered as a therapeutic option in AP. Previous studies have shown that pretreatment with heparin, low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH), or acenocoumarol inhibits the development of AP. The aim of the present study was to check if pretreatment with warfarin affects the development of edematous pancreatitis evoked by cerulein. Warfarin (90, 180, or 270 µg/kg/dose) or saline were administered intragastrically once a day for 7 days consecutively before the induction of AP. AP was evoked by the intraperitoneal administration of cerulein. The pre-administration of warfarin at doses of 90 or 180 µg/kg/dose reduced the histological signs of pancreatic damage in animals with the induction of AP. Additionally, other parameters of AP, such as an increase in the serum activity of lipase and amylase, the plasma concentration of D-dimer, and interleukin-1β, were decreased. In addition, pretreatment with warfarin administered at doses of 90 or 180 µg/kg/dose reversed the limitation of pancreatic blood flow evoked by AP development. Warfarin administered at a dose of 270 µg/kg/dose did not exhibit a preventive effect in cerulein-induced AP. Conclusion: Pretreatment with low doses of warfarin inhibits the development of AP evoked by the intraperitoneal administration of cerulein.

Predictive Value of Antithrombin III and d -Dimer in the Development of Moderate-To-Severe Acute Pancreatitis : A Prospective, Observational Study (AT-PROPANC)

OBJECTIVES

To analyze if antithrombin III (AT-III) and d -dimer levels at admission and at 24 hours can predict acute pancreatitis (AP) progression to moderately severe AP (MSAP) to severe AP (SAP) and to determine their predictive value on the development of necrosis, infected necrosis, organ failure, and mortality.

METHODS

Prospective observational study conducted in patients with mild AP in 2 tertiary hospitals (2015-2017).

RESULTS

Three hundred forty-six patients with mild AP were included. Forty-four patients (12.7%) evolved to MSAP/SAP. Necrosis was detected in 36 patients (10.4%); in 10 (2.9%), infection was confirmed. Organ failure was recorded in 9 patients (2.6%), all of whom died. Those who progressed to MSAP/SAP showed lower AT-III levels; d -dimer and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels increased. The best individual marker for MSAP/SAP at 24 hours is CRP (area under the curve [AUC], 0.839). Antithrombin III (AUC, 0.641), d -dimer (AUC, 0.783), and creatinine added no benefit compared with CRP alone. Similar results were observed for patients who progressed to necrosis, infected necrosis, and organ failure/death.

CONCLUSION

Low AT-III and high d -dimer plasma levels at 24 hours after admission were significantly associated with MSAP/SAP, although their predictive ability was low. C-reactive protein was the best marker tested.

CLINICAL STUDY IDENTIFIER

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02373293.

Prognostic Value of Antithrombin Activity Levels in the Early Phase of Intensive Care: A 2-Center Retrospective Cohort Study

To investigate the relationship between antithrombin (AT) activity level and prognosis in patients requiring intensive care. Patients whose AT activity was measured within 24 h of intensive care unit (ICU) admission were enrolled for analysis. The primary endpoint was mortality at discharge. Prognostic accuracy was examined using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and cox hazard regression analysis. Patients were divided into 6 groups based on predicted mortality, and a χ2 independence test was performed on the prognostic value of AT activity for each predicted mortality; P < .05 was considered significant. A total of 281 cases were analyzed. AT activity was associated with mortality at discharge (AT% [interquartile range, IQR]): survivor group, 69 (56-86) versus nonsurvivor group, 56 (44-73), P = .0003). We found an increasing risk for mortality in both the lowest level of AT activity (<50%; hazard ratio [HR] 2.43, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.20-4.89, P = .01) and the middle-low level of AT activity (≥ 50% and < 70%; HR 2.06, 95% CI 1.06-4.02, P = .03), compared with the normal AT activity level (≥ 70%). ROC curve analysis showed that the prediction accuracy of AT was an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.66 (cutoff 58%, sensitivity 61.4%, specificity 68.2%, P = .0003). AT activity was significantly prognostic in the group with 20% to 50% predicted mortality (AUC 0.74, sensitivity: 24.0%-55.5%, specificity: 83.3%-93.0%). An early decrease in AT activity level in ICU patients may be a predictor of mortality at discharge.

Acute Pancreatitis and Disseminated Intravascular Coagulopathy in COVID-19 Infection: A Case Report

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and can be a plausible trigger for both disseminated intravascular coagulopathy (DIC) and acute pancreatitis. We present an 85-year-old male patient who presented with altered mental status and tested positive for COVID-19 infection. He was hypoxic with an incremental need for oxygen. He had clinical as well as imaging evidence of acute pancreatitis. Clinical evidence of bleeding was noted and lab findings were suggestive of DIC. Despite aggressive initial management, his clinical status continued to deteriorate and comfort care was sought eventually. This case highlights COVID-19 infection as a possible trigger for acute pancreatitis as well as DIC. It also highlights some of the differences in COVID-19-induced DIC, which fulfills the diagnostic criteria of DIC but has atypical findings.

Prediction of acute lung injury in severe acute pancreatitis by routine clinical data

AIM

Acute lung injury (ALI) is a common complication of severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) with a high mortality. Early prediction of patients at risk in initial stage can improve the long-term survival.

METHODS

A total of 91 patients with SAP out of 1647 acute pancreatitis patients from January 2015 to December 2020 were considered. A predictive model for SAP-associated ALI was constructed based on the valuable risk factors identified from routine clinical characteristics and plasma biomarkers. The value of the model was evaluated and compared with Lung Injury Prediction Score (LIPS). A nomogram was built to visualize the model.

RESULTS

Diabetes, oxygen supplementation, neutrophil count and D-dimer were found to be associated with ALI in SAP. The predictive model based on these factors had an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve [AUC: 0.88, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.81-0.95], which was superior to LIPS (AUC: 0.71, 95% CI: 0.60-0.83), also with the higher sensitivity (65%) and specificity (96%) than LIPS (62%, 74%, respectively). Decision curve analysis of the model showed a higher net benefit than LIPS. Visualization by a nomogram facilitated the application of the model.

CONCLUSION

Diabetes, oxygen supplementation, neutrophil count and D-dimer were risk factors for SAP-associated ALI. The combination of these routine clinical data and the model visualization by a nomogram provided a simple and effective way in predicting ALI in the early phase of SAP.

Tropolone derivative hinokitiol ameliorates cerulein-induced acute pancreatitis in mice

Hinokitiol is a natural bio-active tropolone derivative with promising antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This study was conducted to evaluate the ameliorative effects of hinokitiol against acute pancreatitis induced by cerulein. Mice were pre-treated with hinokitiol intraperitoneally for 7 days (50 and 100 mg/kg), and on the final day of study, cerulein (6 × 50 μg/kg) was injected every hour for six times. Six hours after the last dose of cerulein, blood was collected from the mice through retro-orbital plexus for biochemical analysis. After blood collection, mice were euthanized and the pancreas was harvested for studying effects on oxidative stress, pro-inflammatory cytokines, immunohistochemistry and histopathology of tissue sections. Hinokitiol treatment significantly reduced edema of the pancreas and reduced the plasma levels of lipase and amylase in mice with cerulein-induced acute pancreatitis. It also attenuated the oxidative and nitrosative stress related damage as evident from the reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitrite levels, which were significantly increased in the mice with acute pancreatitis. Furthermore, hinokitiol administration significantly reduced the pancreatitis-evoked decrease in the activity of catalase, glutathione (GSH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in the pancreatic tissue. Pre-treatment with hinokitiol significantly reduced the elevated levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines like interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) as well as increased the levels of anti-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-10 (IL-10) in the pancreatic tissue of mice with acute pancreatitis. The immunohistochemical expression of nuclear factor kappa light chain enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB), cyclooxygenase (COX-2) and TNF-α were significantly decreased by hinokitiol in mice with cerulein-induced acute pancreatitis. In conclusion, the results of the present study demonstrate that hinokitiol has significant potential to prevent cerulein-induced acute pancreatitis.

Triglyceride to HDL-C ratio is associated with plasma D-dimer levels in different types of pancreatitis

This study aims to evaluate levels of D-dimer and serum lipid in different types of pancreatitis, and the relationship between D-dimer and dyslipidemia, especially triglyceride to HDL-C ratio (TG/HDL-C) in different types of pancreatitis. We analyzed the D-dimer and dyslipidemia levels in acute pancreatitis (AP), recurrent acute pancreatitis (RAP) and chronic pancreatitis (CP). A single-centered retrospective study was conducted on 1013 patients diagnosed with AP, RAP or CP. Only patients hospitalized within 24 h of onset were included, and 204 patients were enrolled in pancreatitis groups. 68 normal persons without pancreatitis, malignant diseases, pregnancy, or organ failure, who had health check-ups, were enrolled in the control group. Blood samples were taken within 24 h of admission. The relevant information on epidemiology and etiology was collected. D-dimer and serum lipid levels in different types of pancreatitis were analyzed. Furthermore, the area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve (AUC) was used to estimate the validity of the predictor and to define optimal cut-off points for prediction. We found that D-dimer and TG/HDL-C ratio could distinguish mild AP (MAP) and non-MAP in AP and RAP patients. The D-dimer level was related to TG/HDL-C ratio and severity of pancreatitis, with the coefficient correlation of 0.379 and 0.427(p < 0.05), respectively. TG/HDL-C was related to D-dimer in different types of pancreatitis. Logistic regression analysis was conducted in the parameters at admission like alcohol abuse, dyslipidemia and coagulation disturbance in distinguishing AP and RAP groups from the control group, and the parameter like diabetes in RAP and CP groups significantly increased compared with that of the control group. The value of D-dimer level and TG/HDL-C ratio in predicting the severity of AP and RAP was confirmed but there was no significant difference between CP group and the control group. The D-dimer level was related to dyslipidemia and TG/HDL-C ratio.

The predictive value of procalcitonin combined with C-reactive protein and D dimer in moderately severe and severe acute pancreatitis

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study is to investigate the predictive value of a parametric model constructed by using procalcitonin, C-reactive protein (CRP) and D dimer within 48 h after admission in moderately severe and severe acute pancreatitis.

METHODS

A total of 238 patients were enrolled, of which 170 patients were moderately severe and severe acute pancreatitis (MSAP+SAP). The concentrations of procalcitonin, CRP and D dimer within 48 h after admission were obtained. The predictive value of the parametric model, modified computed tomography severity index (MCTSI), bedside index for severity in acute pancreatitis (BISAP), Ranson score, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) score, modified Marshall score and systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) score of all patients was calculated and compared.

RESULTS

The area under receiver operator characteristic curve, sensitivity, specificity, Youden index and critical value of the parametric model for predicting MSAP+SAP were 0.853 (95% CI, 0.804-0.903), 84.71%, 70.59%, 55.30% and 0.2833, respectively. The sensitivity of the parametric model was higher than that of MCTSI (84.00%), Ranson score (73.53%), BISAP (56.47%), APACHE II score (27.65%), modified Marshall score (17.06%) and SIRS score (78.24%); the specificity of it were higher than that of MCTSI (52.94%) and Ranson score (67.65%), but lower than BISAP (73.53%), APACHE II score (76.47%), modified Marshall score (100%)and SIRS score (100.00%).

CONCLUSION

The parametric model constructed by using procalcitonin 48 h, CRP 48 h and D dimer 48 h can be regarded as an evaluation model for predicting moderately severe and severe acute pancreatitis.

[Platelet variation coefficient and its prognostic value in acute pancreatitis]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the role of platelet variation coefficient in prediction of severity of acute pancreatitis (AP).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The study included 90 patients with AP who admitted to the Tula City Emergency Hospital between 2018 and 2019. Patients had no signs of renal and hepatic insufficiency, cancer, blood diseases, inherited platelet disorders, previous splenectomy, antiplatelet and anticoagulant therapy. Mortality of patients with mild-to-moderate AP was 0%, severe pancreatic necrosis - 5.26%, extremely severe pancreatic necrosis - 92.3%. We analyzed the number and volume of platelets, thrombocytocrit and volume-adjusted distribution of platelets. All parameters were assessed after 1, 3, 7, 14, 21, 28 and 35 days.

RESULT

There was a significant correlation between AP severity and the number, volume and volume-adjusted distribution of platelets. Reduced platelet count, enlarged cells and heterogeneous volumes of platelets indicate severe course of pancreatitis. Identification of these changes as early as 3 days of disease is of great clinical importance. Platelet variation coefficient (PVC) is proposed to predict severity of AP. We found a direct correlation between IL-6 and PVC (correlation coefficient 0.78).

CONCLUSION

The proposed PVC is available and easy to use for prediction of AP severity. It allows you to assess the course of acute destructive pancreatitis and effectiveness of treatment after the first three days of therapy. You can improve prediction of AP using this value.

Systemic anticoagulation is associated with decreased mortality and morbidity in acute pancreatitis

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is a procoagulant state, and markers of coagulopathy are associated with AP severity. We aimed to explore the association of systemic anticoagulation therapy before AP onset with the inpatient outcomes of patients with acute pancreatitis.

METHODS

This case-control, retrospective study used data from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (Jan 2014-Dec 2016). We used medical coding data to identify patients with a principal diagnosis of AP who were receiving systemic anticoagulation therapy. Patients with anticoagulation were matched to those without it on the propensity for having anticoagulation. The propensity for having anticoagulation was estimated using a logistic regression model, matching for age, gender, race, median household income for patients' zip code, Charlson comorbidity score, region of hospital, location of hospital (urban/rural), teaching status of hospital, if admission day was on a weekend, pancreatic cancer class, obesity, tobacco usage. Secondary outcomes were inpatient outcomes and hospital expenditures.

RESULTS

A total of 190,474 patients admitted for acute pancreatitis were identified, out of which 7827 patients were on anticoagulation. After propensity matching, 5776 matched pairs were successfully identified. Patients with AP on anticoagulation tended to have lower risk for ICU admission, acute kidney injury, organ failure or inpatient mortality. However, the group with anticoagulation had longer hospital length of stay and higher hospital costs.

CONCLUSIONS

Anticoagulation therapy may have a pivotal role in the pathogenesis and progression of AP. These data suggest a potential therapeutic role for anticoagulants in AP. Further studies are needed to better understand these observations.

Reducing the risk of developing walled-off necrosis in patients with acute necrotic collection using recombinant human soluble thrombomodulin

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the possibility of reducing clinical impacts of acute necrotic collection (ANC) on patients with acute pancreatitis (AP) using recombinant human soluble thrombomodulin (rTM).

METHODS

In this retrospective multicenter study, 233 consecutive AP patients with ANC and acute peripancreatic fluid collection (APFC) from 2012 to 2016 were enrolled. To assess clinical impacts of ANC, severity on admission (JPN score, JPN CT grade, and Modified CT severity index), development of walled-off necrosis (WON), imaging costs for follow-up, and mortality were recorded. Finally, we investigated whether rTM could reduce the clinical impacts, adjusting the severity using propensity analysis with Inverse probability of treatment weighting.

RESULTS

Patients with ANC developed WON with higher ratio than APFC (58/98 [59.2%] vs 20/135 [14.8%], OR = 8.3, P < .01]. Severity on admission and imaging costs for follow-up in ANC patients were significantly higher than those in APFC (P < .01). However, regarding mortality, there was no significant difference between patients with ANC and APFC (P = .41). Adjusting severity, it was revealed that rTM administration significantly reduced the risk of ANC developed WON (OR = 0.23, P = .01).

CONCLUSIONS

While ANC had a higher clinical impact than that of APFC, we found that early administration of rTM may reduce the impact.

Prognostic value of preoperative carcinoembryonic antigen and D-dimer concentrations in patients undergoing curative resection for colorectal cancer

PURPOSE

Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) has limited value as a standalone predictor of the survival in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC). D-dimer (DD) is a predictor of the survival in patients with metastatic CRC. We aimed to predict the prognosis in patients undergoing curative resection for the treatment of CRC by integrating the evaluation of preoperative CEA and DD concentrations with the pathological classification for stage grouping (pStage).

METHODS

The study enrolled 304 patients between 2007 and 2012. The Combination of DD and CEA Score (CDCS) awarded 1 point each for a CEA concentration of > 5.0 ng/ml and DD concentration of > 1.0 μg/ml. Patients were classified according to the total points: CDCS 2, increased DD and CEA concentrations; CDCS 1, increased concentration of either DD or CEA; CDCS 0, normal concentrations.

RESULTS

The overall survival (OS) and relapse-free survival (RFS) were significantly lower in patients with CDCS 2 than in those with CDCS 1 or 0. The pStage and CDCS were not independent prognostic predictors of the OS but were predictors of the RFS. The C-index value of the combination of the pStage and CDCS was better than that of either alone for the OS and RFS.

CONCLUSION

The combination of the pStage and CDCS accurately predicts relapse in patients with CRC.

Pretreatment with Warfarin Attenuates the Development of Ischemia/Reperfusion-Induced Acute Pancreatitis in Rats

In acute pancreatitis (AP), pancreatic damage leads to local vascular injury, manifesting as endothelial damage and activation, increased vascular permeability, leukocyte rolling, sticking and transmigration to pancreatic tissue as well as activation of coagulation. Previous studies have shown that pretreatment with heparin or acenocoumarol inhibits the development of AP. The aim of the present study was to check the impact of pretreatment with warfarin, an oral vitamin K antagonist, on the development of ischemia/reperfusion-induced AP in rats. AP was induced by pancreatic ischemia followed by reperfusion of the gland. Warfarin (90, 180 or 270 µg/kg/dose) or vehicle were administered intragastrically once a day for 7 days before induction of AP. The effect of warfarin on the severity of AP was assessed 6 h after pancreatic reperfusion. The assessment included histological, functional, and biochemical analyses. Pretreatment with warfarin given at a dose of 90 or 180 µg/kg/dose increased the international normalized ratio and reduced morphological signs of pancreatic damage such as pancreatic edema, vacuolization of acinar cells, necrosis and the number of hemorrhages. These effects were accompanied by an improvement of pancreatic blood flow and a decrease in serum level amylase, lipase, pro-inflammatory interleukin-1β and plasma level of D-dimer. In contrast, pretreatment with warfarin given at a dose of 270 µg/kg/dose led to an increase in severity of pancreatic damage and biochemical indicators of AP. In addition, this dose of warfarin resulted in deaths in some animals. Pretreatment with low doses of warfarin inhibits the development of AP induced by pancreatic ischemia followed by reperfusion.

Efficacy of Recombinant Human-Soluble Thrombomodulin for Severe Acute Pancreatitis in a Rat Experimental Model

OBJECTIVES

Early death in severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) is caused by pancreatic necrosis and multiple-organ failure due to microcirculation disorder. The aim of this study was to prove that recombinant human-soluble thrombomodulin (rTM) has therapeutic effects on SAP by preventing pancreatic necrosis and organ failure.

METHODS

Male Wister rats were used. Cerulein was administered intraperitoneally 4 times every 1 hour, and lipopolysaccharide was administered intraperitoneally 3 hours after. One hour after administration of lipopolysaccharide, rTM was injected intravenously. Rats were observed for 24 hours after starting the experiment, and the survival rate was evaluated. All surviving rats were killed, and the blood sample, liver, and pancreas were excised. Serum amylase, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and high mobility group box 1 were measured, and the liver and pancreas were examined histologically. For the evaluation of microcirculation, von Willebrand factor staining was performed.

RESULTS

Serum amylase, aspartate aminotransferase, and alanine aminotransferase were significantly decreased. The survival rate was significantly improved to 100%. Moreover, serum high mobility group box 1 was decreased. Liver injury and pancreatic necrosis became less severe, and microcirculation was preserved histologically.

CONCLUSIONS

Early administration of rTM prevents organ failure by maintenance of microcirculation and improves prognoses of SAP.

Serum D-dimer levels at admission for prediction of outcomes in acute pancreatitis

BACKGROUND

Systemic alterations in coagulation are associated with complications of acute pancreatitis (AP). D-dimer, a fibrin degradation product, was recently described as a marker of pancreatitis outcome. Early prediction is essential for reducing mortality in AP. The present study aims to assess the relationship between elevated serum D-dimer levels and the severity of AP.

METHODS

We performed an observational retrospective study with data from 3451 enrolled patients with AP. Serum D-dimer levels were measured upon admission, after 24 h and during the week after admission by immunoturbidimetry. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to determine whether elevated D-dimer levels were independently associated with the severity of AP.

RESULTS

Of the 3451 AP patients, 2478 (71.8%) had serum D-dimer levels measured within 24 h of hospital admission; 1273 of these patients had D-dimer levels ≤2.5 mg/L, and 1205 had D-dimer levels > 2.5 mg/L (934 patients had mild AP (MAP); 1086, moderately severe AP (MSAP); and 458, severe AP (SAP)). Patients with D-dimer levels > 2.5 mg/L (n = 1205) had higher incidences of SAP (75.5% vs. 24.5%), acute peripancreatic fluid collection (APFC) (53.3% vs. 46.7%), acute necrotic collection (ANC) (72.4% vs. 27.6%), pancreatic necrosis (PN) (65.2% vs. 34.8%), infected pancreatic necrosis (IPN) (77.7% vs. 22.8%), organ failure (OF) (68.5% vs. 31.5%), persistent organ failure (POF) (75.5% vs. 24.5%), ICU requirement (70.2% vs. 29.8%), and mortality (79.2% vs. 20.8%) than did patients with D-dimer levels ≤2.5 mg/L (n = 1273). The multivariate analysis showed that patients with higher serum D-dimer levels had poorer prognoses that worsened over time.

CONCLUSION

The measurement of D-dimer levels at admission may be useful for risk stratification of AP.

Prediction of mortality and organ failure based on coagulation and fibrinolysis markers in patients with acute pancreatitis: A retrospective study

This study explored the predictive value of coagulation and fibrinolysis markers with acute pancreatitis (AP)-related mortality and organ failure.We retrospectively reviewed and analyzed coagulation and fibrinolysis markers and clinical outcomes of the patients with AP.A total of 273 patients with AP were enrolled, 7 patients died and 28 patients suffered from organ failure. Uni- and multivariate logistic regression identified the differences of all of the coagulation and fibrinolysis markers as risk factors for AP-related mortality. The differences of APTT value, TT value, D-dimmer level, FDP level, and AT III level were risk factors for organ failure. Furthermore, the OR of the differences of platelet, PT, APTT, TT, fibrinogen, D-dimmer, FDP, and AT III was substantially improved by grouping with intervals of 10 × 10/L, 2 seconds, 5 seconds, 3 seconds, 0.5 g/L, 3 mg/L FEU, 5 mg/L and 10%, respectively. The risk of mortality can increase up to 1.62, 5.17, and 5.60 fold for every 10 × 10/L, 2 seconds and 5 seconds of increase in platelet, PT and APTT, respectively. There is approximate 2-fold increase in risk of organ failure for every 2 seconds of TT increase. In receiver operating characteristic analysis, there is no difference in the predictive power of bedside index for severity in acute pancreatitis (BISAP) with them in mortality or organ failure.In patients with AP, the dynamic changes of coagulation and fibrinolysis markers are good predictors for AP-related mortality and organ failure, especially platelet, PT and APTT in mortality and TT in organ failure.

Coronary thrombosis in acute pancreatitis

The incidence of acute myocardial infarction in the setting of acute pancreatitis is very rare. The recognition of such complex diagnosis may be clinically challenging, as the symptoms of both conditions are often indistinguishable. We report a case in which we encountered both conditions concurrently, and hypothesize that the ambient inflammatory and pro-thrombotic milieu of acute pancreatitis resulted in acute coronary thrombosis despite the absence of significant coronary atherosclerosis. Among multiple coronary imaging modalities currently in use, optimal cohesion tomography provided a unique capability for direct visualization of the coronary thrombus. (1) Inflammatory processes such as acute pancreatitis promote a thrombogenic state. (2) Presentation of acute myocardial infarction is variable and can mimic a variety of medical conditions. (3) Intravascular imaging is emerging as a useful tool in delineating details of intra-coronary pathology not clear on standard fluoroscopy. (4) The above case highlights the likely concurrence of pathologies that follow common pathways such as system-wide inflammation and coagulation. Clinicians must be aware of this uncommon yet very likely possibility and keep a low threshold to perform ECG and cardiac biomarker testing if symptoms are suggestive of a myocardial infarction, even in the presence of a clear alternative diagnosis.

Role of thrombophilia in splanchnic venous thrombosis in acute pancreatitis

Background:

Splanchnic venous thrombosis (SVT) is a common vascular complication of acute pancreatitis (AP). We conducted this study to prospectively investigate the frequency, risk factors, and extent of SVT in patients with AP and to evaluate the role of thrombophilia in its causation.

Methods:

Patients with AP presenting between January 2015 and June 2016 were prospectively evaluated with contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) for the presence of SVT. These patients underwent a detailed analysis of coagulation parameters.

Results:

We evaluated 96 patients with AP (73 male, mean age 31.85±13.34 years), of whom 26 (27.1%) had SVT. Splenic vein, portal vein, and superior mesenteric vein involvement were seen in 22 (84.6%), 11 (42.3%), and 4 (15.3%) patients, respectively. Necrotizing pancreatitis, CT severity index (CTSI) >6 and modified CTSI >6 were significantly more frequent in patients with SVT than in those without (96.2% vs. 78.6%, 76.9% vs. 47.1%, and 92.3% vs. 67.1%, respectively). Proteins C and S, and antithrombin III deficiency were found in 23.8%, 33.3% and 31.0% of patients, respectively. Anti-β2-glycoprotein I and lupus anticoagulant were positive in 4.8% and 11.9% of patients, respectively. Factor V Leiden mutation analysis was positive in 6.1% of patients. Coagulation abnormality did not differ significantly between the patients with and without SVT.

Conclusions:

SVT is more common in patients with necrotizing pancreatitis, suggesting that local inflammation plays a major role in its causation. Thrombophilia is seen in one third of patients with AP but does not seem to increase the risk of SVT.

HIF1-alpha Regulates Acinar Cell Function and Response to Injury in Mouse Pancreas

We investigated whether intrapancreatic coagulation, with deposition of the fibrinogen-γ dimer (Fib-γD) and hypoxia, affect the severity of acute pancreatitis (AP) in mice. Pancreata of mice with AP induced by administration of cerulein or by L-arginine, or from patients with pancreatitis, had increased deposition of Fib-γD compared with control pancreata. Heparin administration protected mice from cerulein-induced AP and prevented Fib-γD formation. Cerulein administration resulted in activation and stabilization of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF1α) in pancreata of oxygen-dependent degradation domain-luciferase HIF1α reporter mice. Cerulein also led to induction of genes regulated by HIF1α, including Vegfa and Ero1a, before evidence of Fib-γD deposition or histologic features of AP. Expression of tissue factor, which is regulated by vascular endothelial growth factor, also increased following cerulein administration. Mice with acinar cell-specific disruption of Hif1a (Hif1a^Ac-/-) developed spontaneous endoplasmic reticulum stress and less severe AP, but did not accumulate Fib-γD following administration of cerulein. Feeding mice increased pancreatic expression of HIF1α, indicating a physiologic role in the exocrine pancreas. Therefore, HIF1α has bifunctional roles, in exocrine pancreas homeostasis and progression of AP that is promoted by intrapancreatic coagulation.

Higher Thrombin-Antithrombin III Complex Levels May Indicate Severe Acute Pancreatitis

AIM

Coagulation disorders may develop in association with severe acute pancreatitis (AP). Plasma thrombin-antithrombin III complex (TAT) levels are one of the principal markers of coagulation disorder. The purpose of this study was to evaluate TAT and other hemostatic parameters in patients with AP and to examine whether or not these parameters indicate the severity of AP.

METHOD

Forty-six patients with AP (14 severe, 32 non-severe) and a 30-member healthy control group were recruited. The severity of AP was determined using the revised Atlanta classification. ELISA was used to measure patients' plasma TAT levels.

RESULTS

The TAT levels of AP patients at presentation were higher than those of the control group (p = 0.005). The plasma TAT levels of patients with severe AP were also significantly higher than those of patients with non-severe AP (p = 0.05) and of the control group (p < 0.001). The general accuracy, sensitivity and specificity of TAT levels in predicting the severity of AP were 77.4, 77.8, and 77.3% respectively.

CONCLUSION

The coagulation cascade was activated in the AP patients in our study, and this was shown to become more pronounced as severity of the disease increased. Plasma TAT levels at the time of presentation in patients with AP can be used as a marker for predicting the severity of the disease.

Capsaicin-Sensitive Sensory Nerves Are Necessary for the Protective Effect of Ghrelin in Cerulein-Induced Acute Pancreatitis in Rats

Ghrelin was shown to exhibit protective and therapeutic effect in the gut. Aim of the study was to investigate the role of sensory nerves (SN) in the protective effect of ghrelin in acute pancreatitis (AP). Studies were performed on male Wistar rats or isolated pancreatic acinar cells. After capsaicin deactivation of sensory nerves (CDSN) or treatment with saline, rats were pretreated intraperitoneally with ghrelin or saline. In those rats, AP was induced by cerulein or pancreases were used for isolation of pancreatic acinar cells. Pancreatic acinar cells were incubated in cerulein-free or cerulein containing solution. In rats with intact SN, pretreatment with ghrelin led to a reversal of the cerulein-induced increase in pancreatic weight, plasma activity of lipase and plasma concentration of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). These effects were associated with an increase in plasma interleukin-4 concentration and reduction in histological signs of pancreatic damage. CDSN tended to increase the severity of AP and abolished the protective effect of ghrelin. Exposure of pancreatic acinar cells to cerulein led to increase in cellular expression of mRNA for TNF-α and cellular synthesis of this cytokine. Pretreatment with ghrelin reduced this alteration, but this effect was only observed in acinar cells obtained from rats with intact SN. Moreover, CDSN inhibited the cerulein- and ghrelin-induced increase in gene expression and synthesis of heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) in those cells. Ghrelin exhibits the protective effect in cerulein-induced AP on the organ and pancreatic acinar cell level. Sensory nerves ablation abolishes this effect.

SPATHOLOBUS SUBERECTUS STEM EXTRACT IMPROVES THE PROTECTIVE EFFECT OF HEPARIN ON CERULEIN-INDUCED PANCREATITIS

BACKGROUND

The present study evaluates the effect of Spatholobus suberectus stem extract (SS) in the management of pancreatitis alone and in combination with heparin.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Pancreatitis was induced pancreatitis by cerulean (50μg/kg, i.p.) five times at an interval of 1 h without any pretreatment of drug. Rats were treated with SS (100 and 200 mg/kg, p. o.) and heparin (150 U/kg, i.p.) alone and in combination for the duration of a week. Later pancreatic weight and blood flow was estimated and different biochemical parameters like concentration of D-dimer and Interleukin 1β (IL-Ιβ) and activity of amylase and lipase were determined in blood of pancreatitis rats. Moreover effect of drug treatment on DNA synthesis and histopathology was also estimated on cerulean induced pancreatitis rats.

RESULT

Results of this study suggest that treatment with SS alone and in combination with heparin significantly increase in prothrombin time and pancreatic blood flow than negative control group. There was significant decrease in concentration of IL-Ιβ and D-dimer and activity of amylase and lipase in SS and heparin treated group than negative control group. Pancreatic DNA synthesis was also found to be reduced in SS and heparin alone and in combination treated group. Histopathology study also reveals that treatment with SS and heparin alone and in combination reduces edema, hemorrhages, leukocyte infiltration in the TS of pancreatic tissues.

CONCLUSION

Present study concludes that treatment with SS alone effectively manages the pancreatitis by ceasing the inflammatory pathway and potentiates the effect of heparin in the management of pancreatitis.

Therapeutic Effect of Low Doses of Acenocoumarol in the Course of Ischemia/Reperfusion-Induced Acute Pancreatitis in Rats

Intravascular activation of coagulation is observed in acute pancreatitis and is related to the severity of this inflammation. The aim of our study was to evaluate the impact of acenocoumarol therapy on the course of acute pancreatitis induced in male rats by pancreatic ischemia followed by reperfusion. Acenocoumarol at a dose of 50, 100, or 150 µg/kg/dose was administered intragastrically once a day, starting the first dose 24 h after the initiation of pancreatic reperfusion. Results: Histological examination showed that treatment with acenocoumarol reduces pancreatic edema, necrosis, and hemorrhages in rats with pancreatitis. Moreover, the administration of acenocoumarol decreased pancreatic inflammatory infiltration and vacuolization of pancreatic acinar cells. These findings were accompanied with a reduction in the serum activity of lipase and amylase, concentration of interleukin-1β, and plasma d-Dimer concentration. Moreover, the administration of acenocoumarol improved pancreatic blood flow and pancreatic DNA synthesis. Acenocoumarol given at a dose of 150 µg/kg/dose was the most effective in the treatment of early phase acute pancreatitis. However later, acenocoumarol given at the highest dose failed to exhibit any therapeutic effect; whereas lower doses of acenocoumarol were still effective in the treatment of acute pancreatitis. Conclusion: Treatment with acenocoumarol accelerates the recovery of ischemia/reperfusion-induced acute pancreatitis in rats.

Serum Concentrations of Angiopoietin-2 and Soluble fms-Like Tyrosine Kinase 1 (sFlt-1) Are Associated with Coagulopathy among Patients with Acute Pancreatitis

In severe acute pancreatitis (SAP), systemic inflammation leads to endothelial dysfunction and activation of coagulation. Thrombotic disorders in acute pancreatitis (AP) include disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). Recently, angiopoietin-2 and soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase 1 (sFlt-1) were proposed as markers of endothelial dysfunction in acute states. Our aim was to assess the frequency of coagulation abnormalities in the early phase of AP and evaluate the relationships between serum angiopoietin-2 and sFlt-1 and severity of coagulopathy. Sixty-nine adult patients with AP were recruited: five with SAP, 15 with moderately severe AP (MSAP) and 49 with mild AP. Six patients were diagnosed with DIC according to International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis (ISTH) score. All patients had at least one abnormal result of routine tests of hemostasis (low platelet count, prolonged clotting times, decreased fibrinogen, and increased D-dimer). The severity of coagulopathy correlated with AP severity according to 2012 Atlanta criteria, bedside index of severity in AP and duration of hospital stay. D-dimers correlated independently with C-reactive protein and studied markers of endothelial dysfunction. Angiopoietin-2, D-dimer, and ISTH score were best predictors of SAP, while sFlt-1 was good predictor of MSAP plus SAP. In clinical practice, routine tests of hemostasis may assist prognosis of AP.

D-Dimer predicts prognosis and non-resectability in patients with pancreatic cancer: a prospective cohort study

To examine the impact of plasma D-dimer levels in predicting 3-year survival and nonresectability in pancreatic cancer patients. Ninety-five patients were divided into three groups according to plasma D-dimer levels. Kaplan-Meier survival curves and hazard ratios were computed, and diagnostic indices of D-dimer in the prediction of resectability were assessed. The median survival among patients with low, medium and high D-dimer levels was 13.7 [95% confidence interval (CI): 10.2-19.6], 6.2 (95% CI: 2.0-15.1) and 2.4 months (95% CI: 1.4-3.3), respectively. The adjusted hazard ratio of death in the group of patients with high D-dimer levels was 2.2 (95% CI: 1.1-4.2). The positive and negative predictive values of D-dimer in the prediction of nonresectability were 89% (95% CI: 77-96%) and 48% (95% CI: 33- 63%), respectively. An elevated D-dimer level is associated with reduced survival in pancreatic cancer and predicts nonresectability.

The Interplay between Inflammation, Coagulation and Endothelial Injury in the Early Phase of Acute Pancreatitis: Clinical Implications

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is an inflammatory disease with varied severity, ranging from mild local inflammation to severe systemic involvement resulting in substantial mortality. Early pathologic events in AP, both local and systemic, are associated with vascular derangements, including endothelial activation and injury, dysregulation of vasomotor tone, increased vascular permeability, increased leukocyte migration to tissues, and activation of coagulation. The purpose of the review was to summarize current evidence regarding the interplay between inflammation, coagulation and endothelial dysfunction in the early phase of AP. Practical aspects were emphasized: (1) we summarized available data on diagnostic usefulness of the markers of endothelial dysfunction and activated coagulation in early prediction of severe AP; (2) we reviewed in detail the results of experimental studies and clinical trials targeting coagulation-inflammation interactions in severe AP. Among laboratory tests, d-dimer and angiopoietin-2 measurements seem the most useful in early prediction of severe AP. Although most clinical trials evaluating anticoagulants in treatment of severe AP did not show benefits, they also did not show significantly increased bleeding risk. Promising results of human trials were published for low molecular weight heparin treatment. Several anticoagulants that proved beneficial in animal experiments are thus worth testing in patients.

Antithrombin III and D-dimer levels as indicators of disease severity in patients with hyperlipidaemic or biliary acute pancreatitis

Objective To assess changes in anticoagulation and fibrinolytic systems between biliary and hyperlipidaemic acute pancreatitis (AP). Methods Patients with biliary or hyperlipidaemic AP were enrolled. Demographic and clinical data were collected, and antithrombin III (ATIII), protein C, protein S, and D-dimer levels were investigated. Results A total of 45 patients with biliary AP and 50 patients with hyperlipidaemic AP were included (68 with mild AP and 27 with moderately-severe AP). ATIII and protein C levels in the mild AP group were significantly higher, but prothrombin time and D-dimer were significantly lower, versus the moderately-severe AP group. ATIII and D-dimer were found to be risk factors for moderately-severe AP. ATIII could predict AP severity, particularly in patients with biliary AP. D-dimer was a sensitive and specific predictor for disease severity in patients with AP, particularly in patients with hyperlipidaemic AP. Conclusion ATIII and protein C levels decreased as severity of AP increased, particularly in cases of biliary AP. D-dimer levels increased with severity of AP, particularly in hyperlipidaemic AP. ATIII and D-dimer may be useful biomarkers for assessing AP severity in patients with biliary and hyperlipidaemic AP, respectively.

Investigation for role of tissue factor and blood coagulation system in severe acute pancreatitis and associated liver injury

This study aims to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) and SAP-associated liver injury, we performed an association analysis of the functions of tissue factor (TF) and blood coagulation system in both SAP patients and mouse SAP model. Our results showed that serum TF and tissue factor-microparticle (TF-MP) levels were highly up-regulated in both SAP patients and SAP mouse model, which was accompanied by the dysfunction of blood coagulation system. Besides, TF expression was also highly up-regulated in the Kupffer cells (KCs) of SAP mouse model. After inhibiting KCs in SAP mouse model, the amelioration of blood coagulation system functions was associated with the decrease in serum TF and TF-MPs levels, and the reduction of SAP-associated liver injury was associated with the decrease of TF expression in KCs. In conclusion, the dis-regulated TF expression and associated dysfunction of blood coagulation system are critical factors for the pathogenesis of SAP and SAP-associated liver injury. TF may serve as a potential and effective target for treating SAP and SAP-associated liver injury.

Protective Effect of Pretreatment with Acenocoumarol in Cerulein-Induced Acute Pancreatitis

Coagulation is recognized as a key player in inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. The aim of the current research was to examine the effect of pretreatment with acenocoumarol on the development of acute pancreatitis (AP) evoked by cerulein. Methods: AP was induced in rats by cerulein administered intraperitoneally. Acenocoumarol (50, 100 or 150 µg/kg/dose/day) or saline were given once daily for seven days before AP induction. Results: In rats with AP, pretreatment with acenocoumarol administered at the dose of 50 or 100 µg/kg/dose/day improved pancreatic histology, reducing the degree of edema and inflammatory infiltration, and vacuolization of acinar cells. Moreover, pretreatment with acenocoumarol given at the dose of 50 or 100 µg/kg/dose/day reduced the AP-evoked increase in pancreatic weight, serum activity of amylase and lipase, and serum concentration of pro-inflammatory interleukin-1β, as well as ameliorated pancreatic DNA synthesis and pancreatic blood flow. In contrast, acenocoumarol given at the dose of 150 μg/kg/dose did not exhibit any protective effect against cerulein-induced pancreatitis. Conclusion: Low doses of acenocoumarol, given before induction of AP by cerulein, inhibit the development of that inflammation.

Proposal for new diagnostic criteria for DIC from the Japanese Society on Thrombosis and Hemostasis

Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) is a serious disease that, in the presence of underlying disease, causes persistent, generalized, marked coagulation activation. Early treatment based on an appropriate diagnosis is very important for improving patients’ prognosis, to which end diagnostic criteria play a key role. Several criteria have been proposed, but each has its strengths and weaknesses, and improved criteria are needed. Widespread use of coagulofibrinolytic markers has elucidated that the pathology of DIC differs greatly as a function of the underlying disease. Thus, discriminating use of DIC diagnostic criteria that take underlying diseases into account is important.

DIC diagnostic criteria that are well known in Japan include the Japanese Ministry of Health and Welfare’s old DIC diagnostic criteria (JMHW criteria), the International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis’s DIC diagnostic criteria (ISTH criteria), and the Japanese Association for Acute Medicine’s acute-stage DIC diagnostic criteria (JAAM criteria). Those criteria have their respective drawbacks: the sensitivity of the ISTH criteria is poor, the JAAM criteria cannot be applied to all underlying diseases, and the JMHW criteria have poor sensitivity in the case of infections, do not use molecular markers, and result in misdiagnosis. The Japanese Society on Thrombosis and Hemostasis’s newly proposed provisional draft DIC diagnostic criteria (new criteria) use diagnostic criteria classifications of “hematopoietic disorder type”, “infectious type”, and “basic type” based on the underlying pathology. For the hematopoietic disorder type the platelet count is omitted from the score, while for the infectious type, fibrinogen is omitted from the score. Also, points are added if the platelet count decreases with time. In the new criteria, molecular markers and antithrombin activity have been newly included, and as a countermeasure for misdiagnosis, 3 points are deducted if there is liver failure. In this paper, we discuss various problems encountered with DIC diagnosis, and we describe the new criteria together with the events that led to their creation.

These new diagnostic criteria take into account the underlying diseases of wide area, and we expect that they will serve clinicians well due to the above adaptations and improvements.

Assessment of D-Dimers for the Early Prediction of Complications in Acute Pancreatitis

OBJECTIVES

Severe acute pancreatitis (AP) is characterized by early microcirculation defects causing hypercoagulability. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the early predictive value of D-dimers in complicated AP.

METHODS

This was a prospective single-center study conducted between September 2010 and April 2012. All patients had AP for less than 48 hours duration at admission. The plasma D-dimer level was determined at admission and every 12 hours over 3 days and compared to other validated severity criteria.

RESULTS

Of 71 patients admitted with AP, 36 (53.1%) developed complicated AP. A threshold D-dimer level greater than 1474 ng/mL at 48 hours after pain onset was predictive of complications with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.76. Combining D-dimers and C-reactive protein levels at 48 hours increased the prediction of complications (AUC of 0.83). At 36 hours, D-dimers greater than 1474 ng/mL predicted the occurrence of complications with an AUC of 0.75.

CONCLUSIONS

D-Dimer levels were predictive of complications of AP as early as 36 hours after the onset of pain. This simple and reproducible marker might be useful in clinical practice to improve the early management of complicated AP.

Coagulopathy and the prognostic potential of D-dimer in hyperlipidemia-induced acute pancreatitis

BACKGROUND

Coagulopathy and its association with disease severity in hyperlipidemia (HL)- and non-hyperlipidemia (NHL)-induced acute pancreatitis (AP) are not clear. The present study was to evaluate the relationship between coagulation homeostasis and AP.

METHODS

This study included 106 AP patients admitted to our hospital between October 2011 and January 2013. Stratified by disease severity, the patients were divided into two groups: a mild AP (MAP) group (n=69); and a moderately severe AP (MSAP) group (n=37). Based on disease etiology, there were 31 HL-induced AP (HLP) cases and 75 NHL-induced AP (NHLP) cases. The HLP and NHLP groups were compared for parameters of coagulation homeostasis, lipid metabolism, and disease severity. Correlations between disease severity and levels of D-dimer and protein C were investigated, and the prognostic potential of D-dimer was evaluated.

RESULTS

Compared with MAP patients, MSAP patients showed higher levels of D-dimer and lower levels of protein C. HLP patients had higher protein C levels than NHLP patients. Both D-dimer and protein C levels were significantly associated with the disease severity, not the disease etiology. D-dimer levels correlated positively with low density lipoprotein cholesterol levels and performed well as a sensitive and specific predictor of disease severity in AP patients, especially in HLP patients.

CONCLUSIONS

The coagulation homeostasis is different between HLP and NHLP patients, and HL may be a contributing factor for thrombosis and fibrinolysis in HLP. D-dimer may be a robust marker of disease severity in HLP.

The predictive value of the prealbumin-to-fibrinogen ratio in patients with acute pancreatitis

OBJECTIVE

Early identification of severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) progression is important in acute pancreatitis (AP) treatment. The Ranson, APACHE II and CTSI systems are difficult to use and exhibit limited predictive value. Prealbumin and fibrinogen are acute phase reactants generally used to assess the nutritional statuses and coagulation functions of AP patients, respectively. Here, we explored the value of the combination of these two markers for evaluating AP severity and prognosis.

METHODS

One hundred and sixty-nine AP patients, including mild AP (MAP) (n = 101) and severe AP (SAP) patients (n = 68), were enrolled. Their Ranson, APACHE II and CTSI scores, routine laboratory test results, and prealbumin and fibrinogen levels were determined after admission. Multivariate regression analysis was performed to determine the independent predictors of AP severity. ROC curves were generated to determine the suitabilities of prealbumin and fibrinogen levels and the above-mentioned scores for SAP prediction.

RESULTS

The SAP patients exhibited higher scores, white blood cell counts, CRP and fibrinogen levels but lower calcium, prealbumin levels and prealbumin/fibrinogen ratio than the MAP patients (p < 0.05). The multivariate regression analysis demonstrated that the prealbumin/fibrinogen ratio was a good predictor of severity and outperformed CRP. The prealbumin/fibrinogen ratio was correlated with CRP, hospitalisation length and complication occurrence in SAP. The ROC curve analyses showed that the prealbumin/fibrinogen ratio exhibited superior sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV for SAP prediction over the scoring systems. With a cut-off of 31.70 mg/g, the sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV were 76.5%, 94.1%, 89.6% and 85.6%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The prealbumin/fibrinogen ratio is a promising predictor of AP severity and prognosis.

Activated protein C retards recovery from coagulopathy in severe acute pancreatitis

OBJECTIVES

Activated protein C (APC), an endogenous anticoagulant, has antithrombotic, fibrinolytic and anti-inflammatory properties. We recently conducted a controlled study (APCAP, activated protein C in severe acute pancreatitis) of APC treatment of patients with severe acute pancreatitis (SAP). Here we studied the effect of APC on the pivotal coagulation parameters of the surviving patients in the APCAP study.

METHODS

The study consisted of 20 patients of whom 10 patients had received APC and 10 patients had received placebo. Coagulation parameters, physiological anticoagulants, thrombograms and circulating levels of IL-6 and CRP were determined on admission and at days 1, 3-4 and 6-7.

RESULTS

During follow-up, the temporal levels of prothrombin time (PT) decreased and the temporal levels of thromboplastin time (TT) increased in placebo group (p< 0.001 for both), but not in APC group. The temporal levels of antithrombin (AT) increased less in APC group than in placebo group (p = 0.011). The shapes of the SAP patients' thrombograms were strongly deranged and were marginally affected by APC treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Coagulopathy in SAP, a complex phenomenon, is not alleviated by APC treatment. Rather, the patients receiving APC are heading toward normal homeostasis of coagulation slower than patients receiving placebo.

Efficacy of recombinant human soluble thrombomodulin in preventing walled-off necrosis in severe acute pancreatitis patients

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the efficacy of recombinant human soluble thrombomodulin (rTM) in preventing the development of walled-off necrosis (WON) in severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) patients.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed 54 SAP patients divided into two groups: SAP patients treated by rTM (rTM group, 24 patients) and not treated by rTM (control group, 30 patients). rTM was administered to patients with disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). Initially, on the admission day, we recorded patient severity and pancreatic necrosis/ischemia positive or negative. Then we investigated development of WON using 4 weeks later CT/MRI. Finally we compared the proportions of patients developing WON in the rTM group and the control group.

RESULTS

On the admission day, the condition of patients treated by rTM was significantly worse than patients in the control group; rTM group vs.

CONTROL

71.8 ± 13.9 vs. 59.8 ± 15.3 years for age, 10.7 ± 3.5 vs. 8.0 ± 4.4 for Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) score, and 3.3 ± 1.8 vs. 2.2 ± 1.8 for sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score (p < 0.05). We found no significant differences on the admission day in rate of pancreatic necrosis/ischemia between patients treated by rTM and controls (58.3% vs. 63.3%, p = 0.71). Nevertheless, the proportion of patients developing WON was significantly lower among those administered rTM than in those not administered rTM {29.2% (7/24 patients) vs. 56.7% (17/30 patients), p < 0.05}.

CONCLUSION

Treatment of SAP patients treated by rTM may prevent progression from pancreatic necrosis/ischemia to WON.

Efficacy of continuous regional arterial infusion with low-molecular-weight heparin for severe acute pancreatitis in a porcine model

OBJECTIVE

Administration of heparin or its derivatives has been proved to be beneficial in the treatment of severe acute pancreatitis (SAP). However, drugs administered by conventional intravenous way are difficult to reach the pancreatic tissue and may cause bleeding complications due to coagulation and microcirculatory disturbance following initiation of SAP. In this study, we aimed to assess the effects of low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) administered with continuous regional arterial infusion (CRAI) technique in a porcine model of SAP.

METHODS

Following baseline measurements, 18 animals were divided into three groups: CRAI group (LMWH infused through placed arterial catheter), venous group (LMWH infused through central venous catheter), and SAP control group. We used retrograde intraductal infusion of sodium taurocholate to induce SAP. Global hemodynamic profiles, urine output, systemic oxygenation, and inflammatory and serum biochemical parameters of the animals were studied. At the end of the experiment, histological examination of pancreas, intestine, and lung was performed.

RESULTS

Continuous regional arterial infusion with LMWH remarkably stabilized hemodynamic profiles, improved systemic oxygenation and peripheral perfusion, alleviated histological injury of pancreas (especially for the necrosis scale), and downregulated inflammatory response when compared with the other two groups. Moreover, serum D-dimer level also decreased most significantly in the CRAI group (474 ± 144 vs. 664 ± 155 µg/L in the venous group and 945 ± 351 µg/L in the controls at the end), partly indicating ameliorated coagulation disorders in the study group. No bleeding complication was observed in the CRAI group, whereas two animals in the venous group presented gastrointestinal hemorrhage.

CONCLUSIONS

Continuous regional arterial infusion with LMWH exhibits strong therapeutic effects in the course of SAP with great safety. Human studies using this novel therapy are required to assess these potential benefits in the clinical setting.

Prognostic value of preoperative D-dimer and carcinoembryonic antigen levels in patients undergoing intended curative resection for colorectal cancer: a prospective cohort study

PURPOSE

Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) has limited value as an isolated predictor for survival among colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. D-dimer (DD) is a strong predictor of survival among metastatic CRC patients, but the prognostic value in non-metastatic CRC patients remains controversial. We examined the prognostic value of preoperative DD levels in relation to CEA levels in non-metastatic, resectable CRC patients.

METHODS

Between October 2003 and November 2005, 166 patients were included. We used the Kaplan-Meier method to compute 5-year mortality rates, stratified by preoperative DD and CEA levels. Adjusted Cox regression analysis was used to compute mortality rate ratios (MRRs) during postoperative years 0-1 and 1-5 based on the preoperative CEA and DD levels.

RESULTS

The cumulative 5-year mortality rate was 15 % (95 % confidence interval [CI], 9-25 %) in patients with normal DD and CEA levels, 30 % (CI, 16-53 %) in patients with isolated elevated CEA levels, 37 % (CI, 25-53 %) in patients with isolated elevated DD levels, and 60 % (CI, 37-83 %) in patients with elevated CEA and DD levels. Elevated CEA was associated with an approximately ten-fold increase in mortality within the first postoperative year (adjusted MRR 9.8, CI 2.5-38.3); this association was lost during postoperative years 1-5 (adjusted MRR 1.1, CI 0.5-2.7). Elevated DD was associated with a greater than two-fold increase in mortality during postoperative years 0-1 (adjusted MRR 2.8, CI 0.7-11.0) and 1-5 (adjusted MRR 2.2, CI 1.1-4.8).

CONCLUSION

DD is a strong predictor of survival among non-metastatic curatively resected CRC patients, particularly in combination with CEA.

The role of D-dimer in prediction of the course and outcome in pediatric acute pancreatitis

BACKGROUND

Current predictive severity scores for pediatric acute pancreatitis are either extrapolated from adult studies or difficult to use in practice. The aim of this study was to assess the value of the plasma D-dimer level as a marker of severity and outcome in pediatric AP.

METHODS

36 patients (aged 1-17 yrs) with AP were included in the study. Levels of D-dimer and other routine laboratory parameters for AP were determined on admission. The Pediatric Acute Pancreatitis Severity Score was used to assess disease severity. The development of systemic and local complications was also recorded.

RESULTS

D-dimer level was significantly higher in a group of patients with complications, median 1189.5 (271-4800) vs 172.5 (105-1086) in a group of patients without complications (p < 0.001). D-dimer showed high precision in the prediction of acute necrotic collection, with the optimal cut-off values of 442.5 μg/L, Sensitivity (Sn) 100%, Specificity (Sp) 62.1% and in the prediction of multiple organ failure with optimal cut-off value 1189 μg/L, Sn 100% and Sp 87.5%. According to the areas under the curve (AUCs) of each parameter, D-dimer seemed to have predictive power similar to PAPS score and higher than C-reactive protein and Lactate dehydrogenase level.

CONCLUSION

D-dimer level may be a simple clinical predictor of severity in pediatric acute pancreatitis.

Alterations of platelet function and coagulation parameters during acute pancreatitis

Vascular thrombosis and systemic hypercoagulable states are known complications of pancreatitis. Higher levels of mean platelet volume (MPV) have been associated with thrombotic diseases. However, a few studies have investigated the association between acute pancreatitis and MPV. We aimed to investigate whether there is a difference of MPV and coagulation parameters in patients with active and remission in acute pancreatitis. We included 24 consecutive patients with biliary acute pancreatitis and 24 consecutive healthy age-matched and sex-matched controls. Full blood counts and other laboratory tests were collected at onset and remission. The MPV was significantly higher in patients with acute pancreatitis at admission 8.6±1.4 fl than controls 7.6±0.7 fl (P=0.005). We detected positive correlation between, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, γ-glutamyltransferase, amylase, lipase, and glucose, BMI, D-dimer and MPV. However, there was negative correlation between progression, thrombocyte counts, hemoglobin and MPV. As a result higher MPV levels in acute pancreatitis may reflect hypercoagulation associated with pancreatitis.

Platelet activation in acute pancreatitis

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to assess the functional state of platelets in patients with mild acute pancreatitis and severe acute pancreatitis (S-AP).

METHODS

The number of platelets and their morphological parameters were measured with Advia 2120. β-Thromboglobulin and platelet factor 4 concentrations were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method. To evaluate the expression of platelet glycoproteins, flow cytometry method was used.

RESULTS

At the time of admission, a multiparameter evaluation of the platelets' function in AP patients showed enhanced platelet activation, which was reflected by an increase in the number of large platelets, concentration of degranulation markers (platelet factor 4 and β-thromboglobulin), expression of glycoprotein (Gp) IIb/IIIa, and decreased mean platelet component. Only in S-AP patients at day 1 a decreased number of platelets and high expression of P-selectin and GpIa were observed, which may suggest their prognostic value. At day 30, the procoagulation state was still present in S-AP patients, because of increased platelets and number of large platelets as well as high GpIIb/IIIa expression.

CONCLUSIONS

These results may indicate an important role of platelet activation in the pathogenesis of acute pancreatitis and the development of complications in S-AP.

Age-dependent vulnerability to experimental acute pancreatitis is associated with increased systemic inflammation and thrombosis

The severity and mortality rates of acute pancreatitis (AP) are significantly elevated in the elderly population. However, due to a lack of appropriate animal models, the underlying mechanisms for this age-dependent vulnerability remain largely unknown. The purpose of this study was to characterize a murine model of AP, which displays age-associated severity, and to use this model to identify pathophysiologies that are distinctive of the aged with AP. AP was induced in young (4-5 months), middle-aged (12-13 months), and aged (23-25 months) C57BL/6 mice by repeated injection of caerulein, a homologue of the gastrointestinal hormone cholecystokinin. Approximately 10% of aged mice died during AP, while young and middle-aged mice showed no mortality. Although both young and aged mice exhibited early signs of edema and inflammation in the pancreas, kidney, and lung, young mice showed signs of recovery within 24 h, while aged mice exhibited increasingly severe tissue damage and cell death. There was a significant age-dependent increase in pancreatic neutrophil activation and systemic inflammation as assessed by pancreatic myeloperoxidase and plasma interleukin-6 (IL-6) concentration, respectively. Importantly, aged but not young mice with AP showed significantly elevated thrombosis in the lung and kidney as well as a marked increase in plasma concentration of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), a primary inhibitor of the fibrinolytic system. These results demonstrate that aging is associated with increased severity of AP characterized by augmented and prolonged pancreatic inflammation and the presence of multiple extra-pancreatic sequelae including thrombosis.

Plasma thrombin-activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor as an indicator of inflammation and disease severity in acute pancreatitis

AIM

In addition to suppressing fibrinolysis, thrombin activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor (TAFI) was suggested to be involved in inflammation. To date, no study has been published that reports the role of TAFI in acute pancreatitis (AP). Therefore, the objective of the present study was to investigate the role of plasma TAFI as an indicator of inflammation in AP, and its association with disease severity.

METHODS

Plasma TAFI antigen levels quantitatively determined by using ELISA kits in 21 AP patients at onset and remission and 17 healthy controls. Associations of TAFI with inflammatory markers to determine AP and disease severity were assessed. To predict the severity of AP, modified Glasgow prognostic score (mGPS) and computerized tomography severity index (CTSI) were used for each subject.

RESULTS

Plasma TAFI levels was higher in AP patients at onset of the disease compared with healthy controls. The disease severity according to mGPS was significantly correlated with TAFI levels. Overall, accuracy of TAFI in determining AP was 83.3% with a sensitivity, specificity, NPV and PPV of 80.9%, 85.7%, 81.8%, and 85% respectively (AUC: 0.915).

CONCLUSIONS

The present study for the first time demonstrated that TAFI is elevated in AP. The appraisal of TAFI levels in patients with AP in conjunction with other markers of inflammation may provide additional information in estimating AP severity.

D-dimer as a marker of severity in patients with severe acute pancreatitis

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

Coagulative disorder is known to occur in the early phase of severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) and D: -dimer is a commonly used clinical parameter of hemostasis. The aim of this study was to assess the value of the plasma D: -dimer level as a marker of severity in the first 3 days after admission in patients with SAP.

METHODS

From January 2009 to February 2011, 45 patients admitted for SAP were included in this observational study. The D: -dimer level was measured on a daily basis during days 1-3 after admission and the acute physiology and chronic health evaluation (APACHE) II score, sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score, and other clinical parameters were recorded at the same time. The maximum and the mean D: -dimer values were used for analysis and compared with other prognostic factors of SAP.

RESULTS

Both the maximum and mean levels of D: -dimer were significantly different between patients with and without clinical variables such as multiple-organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS), need for surgical intervention, and the presence of pancreatic infection. The D: -dimer level also showed great precision for the prediction of MODS and secondary infection. Additionally, the D: -dimer level correlated well with two usual markers of SAP severity-the APACHE II score and the C-reactive protein level.

CONCLUSION

D: -dimer measurement is a useful, easy, and inexpensive early prognostic marker of the evolution and complications of SAP.

Significance of BISAP combined with coagulation parameters in predicting the severity of acute pancreatitis

AIM: To explore the significance of BISAP (bedside index for severity in AP) combined with coagulation parameters in predicting the severity of acute pancreatitis (AP).

METHODS: One hundred and sixty-six patients with AP who were admitted to Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University from 2008 to 2012 were included in this study. The BISAP and APACHE-Ⅱ scores were calculated using data from the first 24 h from admission and the Ranson's score using data from the first 48 h. CTSI was calculated in patients who underwent CECT within 72 h from onset. The activated partial thromboplastic time (APTT), prothrombin time (PT), D-dimer, fibrinogen (FIB) and platelet (PLT) were measured within the first 24 h from admission. The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC) was calculated to explore the significance of BISAP combined with coagulation parameters in predicting the severity of AP.

RESULTS: Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that D-dimer was an independent predictor of the severity of AP. Increased BISAP score is associated with an increased risk of severe AP (SAP). Taking 2 as the cutoff value for SAP, we obtained the maximum Youden index. The AUC for BISAP in predicting SAP was 0.836 (95%CI: 0.776-0.896), and the BISAP score performed similar to the three "traditional" scoring systems. BISAP score combined with D-dimer (BISAP^+D) could improve the predictive validity.

CONCLUSION: BISAP score is an accurate means for predicting the severity of AP, and BISAP^+D score may enhance the accuracy of early prediction of SAP.