Hemoconcentration and pancreatic necrosis: further defining the relationship

Hemorheological and Microcirculatory Relations of Acute Pancreatitis

Acute pancreatitis still means a serious challenge in clinical practice. Its pathomechanism is complex and has yet to be fully elucidated. Rheological properties of blood play an important role in tissue perfusion and show non-specific changes in acute pancreatitis. An increase in blood and plasma viscosity, impairment of red blood cell deformability, and enhanced red blood cell aggregation caused by metabolic, inflammatory, free radical-related changes and mechanical stress contribute to the deterioration of the blood flow in the large vessels and also in the microcirculation. Revealing the significance of these changes in acute pancreatitis may better explain the pathogenesis and optimize the therapy. In this review, we give an overview of the role of impaired microcirculation by changes in hemorheological properties in acute pancreatitis.

Comparative Evaluation of Harmless Acute Pancreatitis Score (HAPS) and Bedside Index of Severity in Acute Pancreatitis (BISAP) Scoring System in the Stratification of Prognosis in Acute Pancreatitis

Acute pancreatitis is a common disease in patients presenting to the emergency room in any hospital. The most common causes are alcohol ingestion and gallstone disease. Diagnosis is usually based on clinical findings and elevated serum amylase and lipase levels. Imaging is often not necessary but may be used to confirm the diagnosis or rule out any other pathology or to evaluate for any complications. The majority of patients will have a mild, self-limiting disease but others may develop a severe fulminant course with organ failure. These patients are at high risk of developing complications, morbidity or mortality. Treatment of acute pancreatitis includes supportive treatment with antibiotics, fluids, analgesics and early enteral feeding. Several scores have been developed to predict the course of pancreatitis and help make informed decisions, monitoring and timely intervention. The majority of them are complicated, require extensive and expensive interventions or require time. Harmless acute pancreatitis score (HAPS) is one such score that is easy to calculate and is done at the time of admission, bedside index of severity in acute pancreatitis (BISAP) is another one requiring more parameters. The parameters used to calculate it are easily available and can be done at a majority of healthcare facilities in developing countries. HAPS thus seems to be a good option in aiding doctors in assessing acute pancreatitis. It may be considered as a standard scoring for acute pancreatitis for early and effective management. We have tried to study and compare the superiority of HAPS over BISAP in predicting prognosis in acute pancreatitis.

Factors Predicting the Development of Necrosis in Patients Presenting With Edematous Acute Pancreatitis

OBJECTIVES

There is no marker that can accurately predict the development of pancreatic necrosis in edematous acute pancreatitis (AP). This study aimed to investigate the factors associated with necrosis development in cases of edematous AP and to create an easy-to-use scoring system.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed patients diagnosed with edematous AP between 2010 and 2021. Among the patients, those who were found to have developed necrosis during follow-up were categorized as the necrotizing group, whereas the others constituted the edematous group.

RESULTS

With multivariate analysis, white blood cell, hematocrit, lactate dehydrogenase, and C-reactive protein levels at the 48th hour were revealed to be independent risk factors for necrosis. Using these 4 independent predictors, the Necrosis Development Score 48 (NDS-48) was derived. While the cutoff value was 2.5, the sensitivity and specificity of the NDS-48 for necrosis were 92.5% and 85.9%, respectively. The area under the curve value of the NDS-48 for necrosis was 0.949 (95% confidence interval, 0.920-0.977).

CONCLUSIONS

White blood cell, hematocrit, lactate dehydrogenase, and C-reactive protein levels at the 48th hour are independent predictors of necrosis development. The NDS-48, a new scoring system created with these 4 predictors, satisfactorily predicted the development of necrosis.

Comparison of clinical characteristics and outcomes between alcohol-induced and gallstone-induced acute pancreatitis: An Australian retrospective observational study

OBJECTIVES

To compare the characteristics and outcomes of patients presenting to hospital with alcohol-induced and gallstone-induced acute pancreatitis.

METHODS

Retrospective study of all patients with alcohol-induced or gallstone-induced pancreatitis during the period 1 June 2012 to 31 May 2016. The primary outcome measure was hospital mortality. Secondary outcome measures included hospital length of stay, requirements for intensive care unit admission, intensive care unit mortality, mechanical ventilation, renal replacement therapy, requirement of inotropes and total parenteral nutrition.

RESULTS

A total of 642 consecutive patients (49% alcohol; 51% gallstone) were included. No statistically significant differences were found between alcohol-induced and gallstone-induced acute pancreatitis with respect to hospital mortality, requirement for intensive care unit admission, intensive care unit mortality and requirement for mechanical ventilation, renal replacement therapy, inotropes or total parenteral nutrition. There was significant difference in hospital length of stay (3.07 versus 4.84; p < 0.0001). On multivariable regression analysis, Bedside Index of Severity in Acute Pancreatitis score (estimate: 0.393; standard error: 0.058; p < 0.0001) and admission haematocrit (estimate: 0.025; standard error: 0.008; p = 0.002) were found to be independently associated with prolonged hospital length of stay.

CONCLUSION

Hospital mortality did not differ between patients with alcohol-induced and gallstone-induced acute pancreatitis. The duration of hospital stay was longer with gallstone-induced pancreatitis. Bedside Index of Severity in Acute Pancreatitis score and admission haematocrit were independently associated with hospital length of stay.

Acute Pancreatitis

Acute pancreatitis is one of the most common reasons for gastroenterology-related hospitalization in the United States. With significant morbidity and subsequent mortality related to both the acute presentation and subsequent sequelae, prompt diagnosis and appropriate management are critical, especially in the first 24 hours of illness. It is also important to accurately recognize complications, such as pancreatic fluid collections and vascular events, and identify a definitive cause so that a strategy to prevent future attacks can be implemented.

Recent Advances in Diagnosis and Severity Assessment of Acute Pancreatitis

The incidence and prevalence of acute pancreatitis (AP) is increasing over time. The diagnosis of acute pancreatitis is established by revised Atlanta criteria (2012). Multiple criteria and scoring systems have been used for assessment of severity of AP. Majority of acute pancreatitis cases (80%) are mild, the challenge remains in early diagnosis, severity assessment and treatment of severe AP and its complications. Assessment of severity of AP is important part of management because line of treatment depends on aetiology and severity of acute pancreatitis. In this article a comprehensive review of recent advances in diagnosis and severity assessment of acute pancreatitis has been described.

Acute Pancreatitis Task Force on Quality: Development of Quality Indicators for Acute Pancreatitis Management

INTRODUCTION

Detailed recommendations and guidelines for acute pancreatitis (AP) management currently exist. However, quality indicators (QIs) are required to measure performance in health care. The goal of the Acute Pancreatitis Task Force on Quality was to formally develop QIs for the management of patients with known or suspected AP using a modified version of the RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Methodology.

METHODS

A multidisciplinary expert panel composed of physicians (gastroenterologists, hospitalists, and surgeons) who are acknowledged leaders in their specialties and who represent geographic and practice setting diversity was convened. A literature review was conducted, and a list of proposed QIs was developed. In 3 rounds, panelists reviewed literature, modified QIs, and rated them on the basis of scientific evidence, bias, interpretability, validity, necessity, and proposed performance targets.

RESULTS

Supporting literature and a list of 71 proposed QIs across 10 AP domains (Diagnosis, Etiology, Initial Assessment and Risk Stratification, etc.) were sent to the expert panel to review and independently rate in round 1 (95% of panelists participated). Based on a round 2 face-to-face discussion of QIs (75% participation), 41 QIs were classified as valid. During round 3 (90% participation), panelists rated the 41 valid QIs for necessity and proposed performance thresholds. The final classification determined that 40 QIs were both valid and necessary.

DISCUSSION

Hospitals and providers managing patients with known or suspected AP should ensure that patients receive high-quality care and desired outcomes according to current evidence-based best practices. This physician-led initiative formally developed 40 QIs and performance threshold targets for AP management. Validated QIs provide a dependable quantitative framework for health systems to monitor the quality of care provided to patients with known or suspected AP.

Effect of Aggressive Fluid Therapy on Outcomes after Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

BACKGROUND Pancreatitis is a serious complication of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), which may lead to death. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the preventive effect of aggressive fluid therapy on the incidence of post-ERCP pancreatitis. METHODS In double-blind controlled condition, 240 patients were selected and divided into two groups. The treatment of the intervention group (n = 120) included a dose of 20 mL/kg of ringer lactate infusion within 90 minutes before ERCP and 3 mL/kg/h during ERCP followed by 3 mL/kg/h up to 8 hours. The treatment of the control group (n = 120) included a dose of 1.5 mL/kg of ringer lactate infusion during ERCP up to 8 hours later. Firstly, the patients were evaluated in terms of excessive fluid and serum amylase and pain level, and then they were re-evaluated 2, 8, and 24 hours after ERCP. RESULTS The mean age of the patients was 51.57 ± 13.5 years. Most of the patients were female (54.5%). Pancreatitis was developed in 26 patients including 5.83% of the patients in the intervention group and 15.83% of the patients in the control group (p = 0.013). Pancreatic pain was seen in 7.5% of the patients in the intervention group and in 27.5% of the control group (p < 0.005). Hyperamylasemia was seen in 20.83% of the patients in the intervention group and in 35% of the control group (p = 0.014). The mean days of hospital admission was 1.308 ± 0.807 in the intervention group and 1.425 ± 0.876 in the control group (p = 0.275). CONCLUSION Aggressive fluid therapy with ringer lactate solution before ERCP can effectively prevent postERCP pancreatitis, pancreatic pain, and hyperamylasemia.

Early Hemoconcentration Is Associated With Increased Opioid Use in Hospitalized Patients With Acute Pancreatitis

OBJECTIVES

Opioids are commonly required for abdominal pain in hospitalized patients with acute pancreatitis (AP). The factors associated with increased opioid requirements are unknown.

METHODS

The medical records of adult inpatients with AP from 2006 to 2016 were reviewed. Patients with chronic pancreatitis, psychiatric comorbidities, intubation, chronic opioid, and illicit drug use were excluded. The total quantity of opioids required during the first 7 days of hospitalization was converted to oral morphine equivalents (OME), divided by the number of days opioids were required to obtain the mean OME per day(s) of treatment (MOME). Multiple regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with MOME.

RESULTS

A total of 267 patients were included. The mean (standard deviation) age was 46.9 (13.9) years and 56% were males. The most common etiology was alcohol (55.4%). The mean (standard deviation) MOME was 59.1 (54.5) mg. Although age (P = 0.008), black race (P = 0.004), and first episode of AP (P = 0.049) were associated with a lower MOME, early hemoconcentration (hematocrit ≥44%) (P < 0.001) was associated with an increased MOME.

CONCLUSIONS

Early hemoconcentration is associated with an increased opioid requirement in hospitalized patients with AP. The impact of fluid therapy in these patients merits prospective study.

The role of extra-pancreatic infections in the prediction of severity and local complications in acute pancreatitis

BACKGROUND

The aim of our study was to determine the risk factors for extrapancreatic infection (EPI) occurrence and its predictive power for assessing severity and local complications in acute pancreatitis including infected pancreatic necrosis (IPN).

METHODS

Clinical data of 176 AP patients prospectively enrolled were analysed. EPI analysed were bacteraemia, lung infection, urinary tract infection and catheter line infection. Risk factors analysed were: Leukocyte count, C-reactive protein, liver function test, serum calcium, serum glucose, Blood urea nitrogen, mean arterial pressure at admission, total parenteral nutrition (TPN), enteral nutrition, hypotension, respiratory, cardiovascular and renal failure at admission, persistent systemic inflammatory response (SIRS) and intrapancreatic necrosis. Severity outcomes assessed were defined according to the Atlanta Criteria definition for acute pancreatitis. The predictive accuracy of EPI for morbidity and mortality was measured using area-under-the-curve (AUC) receiver-operating characteristics.

RESULTS

Forty-four cases of EPI were found (25%). TPN (OR:9.2 CI95%: 3.3-25.7), APACHE-II>8 (OR:6.2 CI95%:2.48-15.54) and persistent SIRS (OR:2.9 CI95%: 1.1-7.8), were risk factors related with EPI. Bacteraemia, when compared with others EPI, showed the best accuracy in predicting significantly persistent organ failure (AUC:0.76, IC95%:0.64-0.88), ICU admission (AUC:0.80 IC95%:0.65-0.94), and death (AUC:0.73 CI95%:0.54-0.91); and for local complications including IPN (AUC:0.72 CI95%:0.53-0.92) as well. Besides, it was also needed for an interventional procedure against necrosis (AUC:0.74 IC95%: 0.57-0.91). When bacteraemia and IPN occurs, bacteraemia preceded infected necrosis in all cases. On multivariate analysis, risk factor for IPN were lung infection (OR:6.25 CI95%1.1-35.7 p = 0.039) and TPN (OR:22.0CI95%:2.4-205.8, p = 0.007), and for mortality were persistent SIRS at first week (OR: 22.9 CI95%: 2.6-203.7, p = 0.005) and Lung infection (OR: 9.7 CI95%: 1.7-53.8).

CONCLUSION

In our study, EPI, played a role in predicting the severity and local complications in acute pancreatitis.

Acute pancreatitis: current perspectives on diagnosis and management

The last two decades have seen the emergence of significant evidence that has altered certain aspects of the management of acute pancreatitis. While most cases of acute pancreatitis are mild, the challenge remains in managing the severe cases and the complications associated with acute pancreatitis. Gallstones are still the most common cause with epidemiological trends indicating a rising incidence. The surgical management of acute gallstone pancreatitis has evolved. In this article, we revisit and review the methods in diagnosing acute pancreatitis. We present the evidence for the supportive management of the condition, and then discuss the management of acute gallstone pancreatitis. Based on the evidence, our local institutional pathways, and clinical experience, we have produced an outline to guide clinicians in the management of acute gallstone pancreatitis.

Early Aggressive Hydration Hastens Clinical Improvement in Mild Acute Pancreatitis

OBJECTIVES

Early aggressive intravenous hydration is recommended for acute pancreatitis treatment although randomized trials have not documented benefit. We performed a randomized trial of aggressive vs. standard hydration in the initial management of mild acute pancreatitis.

METHODS

Sixty patients with acute pancreatitis without systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) or organ failure were randomized within 4 h of diagnosis to aggressive (20 ml/kg bolus followed by 3 ml/kg/h) vs. standard (10 ml/kg bolus followed by 1.5 mg/kg/h) hydration with Lactated Ringer's solution. Patients were assessed at 12-h intervals. At each interval, in both groups, if hematocrit, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), or creatinine was increased, a bolus of 20 ml/kg followed by 3 ml/kg/h was given; if labs were decreased and epigastric pain was decreased (measured on 0-10 visual analog scale), hydration was then given at 1.5 ml/kg/h and clear liquid diet was started. The primary endpoint, clinical improvement within 36 h, was defined as the combination of decreased hematocrit, BUN, and creatinine; improved pain; and tolerance of oral diet.

RESULTS

The mean age of the patients was 45 years and only 14 (23%) had comorbidities. A higher proportion of patients treated with aggressive vs. standard hydration showed clinical improvement at 36 h: 70 vs. 42% (P=0.03). The rate of clinical improvement was greater with aggressive vs. standard hydration by Cox regression analysis: adjusted hazard ratio=2.32, 95% confidence interval 1.21-4.45. Persistent SIRS occurred less commonly with aggressive hydration (7.4 vs. 21.1%; adjusted odds ratio (OR)=0.12, 0.02-0.94) as did hemoconcentration (11.1 vs. 36.4%, adjusted OR=0.08, 0.01-0.49). No patients developed signs of volume overload.

CONCLUSIONS

Early aggressive intravenous hydration with Lactated Ringer's solution hastens clinical improvement in patients with mild acute pancreatitis.

Hematocrit for early assessment of acute pancreatitis

AIM: To assess the significance of changes in hematocrit in patients with moderately severe acute pancreatitis (MSAP).

METHODS: A cohort study was performed on patients admitted with AP from January 2012 to June 2013. AP was defined according to the Atlanta classification and patients were categorized into three groups - mild AP, moderate AP and severe AP. Hematocrit (HCT) levels were calculated to determine risk of severity associated with elevated HCT level at admission and rise in HCT level at 24 h. Accuracy of the HCT measurement was determined by the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis.

RESULTS: A total of 94 AP cases were included in analysis, of whom 8 had severe AP, 65 had mild AP, and 21 had moderate AP. HCT levels at admission and at 24 h was significantly different between patients with mild AP and those with severe AP (P < 0.05). HCT levels at admission differed significantly between patients with moderate AP and those with severe AP (P < 0.05). The sensitivity of hematocrit ≥ 38% as a marker for detection of moderate AP at admission was 57%, the specificity was 51% and the positive predictive value was 88%.

CONCLUSION: Hematocrit ≥ 38% is probably used to detect moderate AP at the time of admission.

[Fluid therapy in acute pancreatitis]

Severe acute pancreatitis (AP) is associated with an increased need for fluids due to fluid sequestration and, in the most severe cases, with decreased peripheral vascular tone. For several decades, clinical practice guidelines have recommended aggressive fluid therapy to improve the prognosis of AP. This recommendation is based on theoretical models, animal studies, and retrospective studies in humans. Recent studies suggest that aggressive fluid administration in all patients with AP could have a neutral or harmful effect. Fluid therapy based on Ringer's lactate could improve the course of the disease, although further studies are needed to confirm this possibility. Most patients with AP do not require invasive monitoring of hemodynamic parameters to guide fluid therapy administration. Moreover, the ability of these parameters to improve prognosis has not been demonstrated.

Early measures of hemoconcentration and inflammation are predictive of prolonged hospitalization from post- endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis

OBJECTIVES

Hemoconcentration markers are predictors of severe acute pancreatitis but have not been specifically evaluated in post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis (PEP).

METHODS

Case-control study of patients undergoing ERCP for suspected sphincter of Oddi dysfunction. We identified patients with PEP (PEP positive) and controls (PEP negative) in a 1:2 ratio. blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and hematocrit (Hct) were measured before procedure, upon admission, and 24 hours later. Preprocedure levels of BUN and Hct were analyzed to control for confounders. Among the PEP-positive patients, BUN level, Hct level, and systemic inflammatory response syndrome are compared between severe and mild/moderate cases.

RESULTS

There were 149 PEP-positive patients, including 18 patients (12.1%) with severe PEP and 301 PEP-negative controls. After adjusting, higher preprocedure BUN level (odds ratio [OR], 1.05 [1.01, 1.10]; P < 0.02) and pancreatic sphincterotomy (OR, 1.60 [1.01, 2.55]; P < 0.05) were associated with PEP, whereas older age (OR, 0.98 [0.96, 0.99]; P < 0.02) and a greater body mass index (OR, 0.97 [0.94, 0.99]; P < 0.03) with a lower rate.Difference in BUN level of 0.0 or greater (failure to decline) had a sensitivity of 71% and a specificity of 79% for differentiating severe from mild/moderate PEP. Patients with severe PEP were more likely to have systemic inflammatory response syndrome upon admission (44.4% [21.5, 67.4]) and after 24 hours (61.1% [38.6, 83.6] versus mild/moderate (9.2% [4.2, 14.1], 10.6% [5.4,16.0]; P < 0.0001 for each).

CONCLUSIONS

Preprocedure BUN level is associated with the development of PEP. The preprocedure BUN level and failure of the BUN level to decline during the first 24 hours are associated with prolonged hospitalization.

Predictors of adverse outcomes in acute pancreatitis: new horizons

Acute pancreatitis (AP) continues to be a clinical challenge. The mortality of patients with AP with adverse outcomes like organ failure and infected necrosis can be as high as 43 %. Highly accurate predictors of adverse outcomes are necessary to identify the high-risk patients so that they can be meticulously monitored and managed. However, there are no ideal predictors till date. Over the past several years, a number of single- and multi-parameter predictors have been identified and tested for prediction of adverse outcomes in AP. Out of the different tools tested, blood urea nitrogen and the harmless acute pancreatitis score appears to be useful and feasible in the management of AP under Indian conditions. Other single-parameter predictors like serum creatinine, hematocrit, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein, and D-dimer need to be put to further tests in high-quality prospective studies with large sample size at the community level. Multi-parameter prediction tools like the bedside index of severity of acute pancreatitis may not be appealing in day-to-day clinical practice.

Fluid therapy in acute pancreatitis: anybody's guess

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to systematically review and evaluate the quality of current evidence about fluid therapy (FT) in acute pancreatitis (AP).

BACKGROUND

Intravenous FT is thought to be important in the early management of patients with AP. Clinically relevant questions remain regarding the type of fluid, the rate of administration, and the goal of FT.

METHODS

A comprehensive literature search for human studies was performed using online databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, PubMed, and the Cochrane Library). The quality of the entire body of evidence was then graded according to the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation Working Group guidelines in relation to 3 key areas: type of fluid, rate of fluid administration, and goal-directed FT.

RESULTS

The initial search yielded 410 studies, of which 15 met the inclusion criteria. Only 2 randomized studies compared types of fluids. Nine studies looked at aggressive versus nonaggressive resuscitation protocols, of which 4 concluded that an aggressive approach yielded better outcomes and 5 concluded that a nonaggressive approach was better. Two studies investigated goal-directed FT, using different goals; one demonstrating benefit and the other none. Analysis of the body of evidence as per the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation Working Group revealed that the majority of evidence was of low or very low quality.

CONCLUSIONS

FT is considered a cornerstone of the early management of patients with AP and yet the evidence on which it is based remains paltry and of poor quality. This systematic review has demonstrated the equipoise necessary for the design of randomized controlled trials to answer pressing questions relating to the type of fluid, the rate of administration, and how FT should be guided.

The effect of gastrointestinal bleeding on outcomes of patients with acute pancreatitis: a national population-based study

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the adverse effect of gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) in patients with acute pancreatitis (AP), accounting for the status of organ failure (OF).

METHODS

We analyzed 107,349 patients with first-attack AP from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database between 2000 and 2009. Patients were categorized into four groups according to the status of GIB and OF, the effect of which was assessed using multivariable analyses with generalized estimating equations models. Primary outcomes were 14-day and hospital mortality. Secondary outcomes were septic complication and prolonged hospital stay (>18 days).

RESULTS

The covariate-adjusted odds ratio for 14-day mortality, hospital mortality, septic complication, and prolonged stay all significantly increased at 4.63 (95% confidence interval [CI] 3.80-5.63), 4.22 (95% CI 3.66-4.87), 3.52 (95% CI 3.03-4.08), and 1.27 (95% CI 1.20-1.35), respectively for the patients with OF only (n = 88,561). The corresponding figures for the patients with GIB only (n = 5184) were lower but still significant at 1.44 (95% CI 1.09-1.91), 1.42 (95% CI 1.15-1.75), 1.54 (95% CI 1.19-2.00), and 1.38 (95% CI 1.28-1.48). The co-existence of GIB in patients with OF (n = 1663) showed little additional risk of all adverse outcomes. Results of sensitivity analyses (enrolling only patients with principal diagnosis of AP) showed similar findings except that septic complication was not seen for GIB only.

CONCLUSIONS

OF poses greater adverse effects than GIB on outcomes of AP patients. Nevertheless, GIB still modestly increased the risks of prolonged stay and death in AP patients without OF.

An assessment of the severity of interstitial pancreatitis

BACKGROUND & AIMS

There is limited information on the incidence of and factors associated with severe disease among patients with interstitial pancreatitis (IP). We evaluated a large cohort of patients with IP and compared data with those from patients with extrapancreatic necrosis (EXPN).

METHODS

We evaluated 149 consecutive patients with IP admitted over a 2.5-year period. Transferred patients were excluded. We collected data on age, Charlson comorbidity score (CCI), measures of severity on admission or within 24 hours (Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II, bedside index for severity of acute pancreatitis scores), persistent (>48 h) systemic inflammatory response syndrome, persistent organ failure, need for intensive care unit, length of hospital stay (in days), and mortality. We also analyzed levels of severity among those with IP and EXPN. Statistical analysis was performed using SAS version 9.1 (Cary, NC).

RESULTS

Among the patients with IP, the median CCI score was 1, the median Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score was 7, and the median bedside index for severity of acute pancreatitis score was 1. In addition, the median length of hospital stay was only 4 days; only 1% had persistent organ failure and only 1% to 2% required intervention. The mortality rate of IP was 3%; it was associated significantly with comorbidity (the median CCI scores of nonsurvivors and survivors was 4 and 1, respectively, P = .003). Patients with EXPN had greater levels of disease severity, compared with patients with IP.

CONCLUSIONS

IP is severe in only 1% to 3% of patients; mortality of IP is associated strongly with comorbidity. EXPN is more frequently severe than IP; EXPN must be distinguished from IP in clinical studies.

Early hemoconcentration is associated with pancreatic necrosis only among transferred patients

OBJECTIVES

Studies evaluating hemoconcentration as a marker of necrosis in acute pancreatitis have reached different conclusions. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of transfer status on the accuracy of hemoconcentration for the prediction of pancreatic necrosis.

METHODS

We prospectively enrolled 339 patients in an observational cohort study from June 2005 to December 2007. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to evaluate the impact of transfer status on the relationship between hemoconcentration and necrosis. Accuracy for prediction of necrosis was measured by the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve.

RESULTS

Hemoconcentration was associated with increased risk of necrosis only among transferred patients (odds ratio [95% confidence limits], 3.6 [1.2, 10.8]). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for admission hematocrit for prediction of necrosis was 0.78 among the transferred patients versus 0.55 among those with primary admissions (chi2, P < 0.0001). Transferred patients had greater initial severity (median bedside index of severity in acute pancreatitis, 2 vs 1; P < 0.0001), were more likely to have hemoconcentration (44% vs 18%; chi2, P < 0.0001), and experienced increased necrosis (37.5% vs 3.6%; chi2, P < 0.0001) compared with primary admissions. After adjusting for sex, disease severity, fluid resuscitation, and transfer status, hemoconcentration was not associated with necrosis (Wald chi2, P = 0.14).

CONCLUSIONS

Transfer status is a confounder in the relationship between hemoconcentration and pancreatic necrosis.

Early hemoconcentration predicts increased mortality only among transferred patients with acute pancreatitis

BACKGROUND/AIMS

The prognostic utility of hemoconcentration in acute pancreatitis (AP) remains controversial.

METHODS

We examined the relationship between early hemoconcentration and in-hospital mortality in an observational cohort study. Data was collected from 177 US hospitals from January 2004 to September 2005. Early hemoconcentration was defined as hemoglobin > or =14.6 mg/dl (hematocrit approximately 44%) at any point during the first 24 h of initial hospitalization. For transferred cases, we linked clinical data from the first hospitalization to outcomes from the second hospitalization. We then examined the impact of hospital transfer status on the prognostic utility of hemoconcentration.

RESULTS

We identified 388 (2.2%) cases as interhospital transfers. Of these, we successfully linked 198 (51.0%) to their initial hospitalization. Early hemoconcentration was associated with increased mortality among transferred cases (OR 7.4, 95% CI 1.6, 35.4). However, no such relationship existed among non-transferred cases (OR 0.9, 95% CI 0.7, 1.2). Differences in outcome between transferred vs. nontransferred cases were not explained by extent of comorbid illness or initial disease severity (either APACHE II or organ failure).

CONCLUSIONS

Early hemoconcentration predicted increased risk of mortality only among transferred cases despite similar levels of initial disease severity. These findings may help explain discordant results from prior studies of hemoconcentration in AP.

Elevated serum creatinine as a marker of pancreatic necrosis in acute pancreatitis

OBJECTIVES

Pancreatic necrosis is a serious complication of acute pancreatitis. The identification of simple laboratory tests to detect subjects at risk of pancreatic necrosis may direct management and improve outcome. This study focuses on the association between routine laboratory tests and the development of pancreatic necrosis in patients with acute pancreatitis.

METHODS

In a cohort of 185 patients with acute pancreatitis prospectively enrolled in the Severity of Acute Pancreatitis Study, patients with contrast-enhanced computerized tomography performed were selected (n=129). Serum hematocrit, creatinine, and urea nitrogen on admission and peak values within 48 h of admission were analyzed. The volume of intravenous fluid resuscitation was calculated for each patient.

RESULTS

Of 129 patients, 35 (27%) had evidence of pancreatic necrosis. Receiver operating characteristic curves for pancreatic necrosis revealed an area under the curve of 0.79 for admission hematocrit, 0.77 for peak creatinine, and 0.72 for peak urea nitrogen. Binary logistic regression yielded that all three tests were significantly associated with pancreatic necrosis (P<0.0001), with the highest odds ratio, 34.5, for peak creatinine. The volume of intravenous fluid resuscitation was similar in patients with and without necrosis. Low admission hematocrit (< or =44.8%) yielded a negative predictive value of 89%; elevated peak creatinine (>1.8 mg/dl) within 48 h yielded a positive predictive value of 93%.

CONCLUSIONS

We confirm that a low admission hematocrit indicates a low risk of pancreatic necrosis (PNec) in patients with acute pancreatitis. In contrast, an increase in creatinine within the first 48 h is strongly associated with the development of PNec. This finding may have important clinical implications and warrants further investigation.

Fluid resuscitation in acute pancreatitis

Acute pancreatitis is a common inflammatory disorder of the pancreas resulting in considerable morbidity and a mortality rate of approximately 5%. Although there are no pharmacologic treatments known to improve important outcomes, aggressive intravenous fluid resuscitation generally is recommended in all patients. However, few human investigations have been performed and several important questions have not been answered. For example, what is the optimal resuscitative fluid? Is there a role for colloid solutions? To what clinical marker should resuscitation be targeted? When is the best time to start such fluids and in which group of patients? This review describes the microcirculation of the pancreas and the pathophysiologic alterations caused by acute pancreatitis. Previous animal experiments are described, as are the limited human studies specifically addressing fluid resuscitation. Finally, current recommendations and goals for further investigation are highlighted. It is our hope that this review will stimulate interest in this often overlooked subject and lead to carefully designed human clinical trials using varying fluid solutions and rates, with an emphasis on patient monitoring and safety, in the near future.

Severe acute pancreatitis: Pathogenetic aspects and prognostic factors

Approximately 20% of patients with acute pancreatitis develop a severe disease associated with complications and high risk of mortality. The purpose of this study is to review pathogenesis and prognostic factors of severe acute pancreatitis (SAP). An extensive medline search was undertaken with focusing on pathogenesis, complications and prognostic evaluation of SAP. Cytokines and other inflammatory markers play a major role in the pathogenesis and course of SAP and can be used as prognostic markers in its early phase. Other markers such as simple prognostic scores have been found to be as effective as multifactorial scoring systems (MFSS) at 48 h with the advantage of simplicity, efficacy, low cost, accuracy and early prediction of SAP. Recently, several laboratory markers including hematocrit, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and serum amyloid A (SAA) have been used as early predictors of severity within the first 24 h. The last few years have witnessed a tremendous progress in understanding the pathogenesis and predicting the outcome of SAP. In this review we classified the prognostic markers into predictors of severity, pancreatic necrosis (PN), infected PN (IPN) and mortality.

The Atlanta Classification of acute pancreatitis revisited

BACKGROUND

In a complex disease such as acute pancreatitis, correct terminology and clear definitions are important. The clinically based Atlanta Classification was formulated in 1992, but in recent years it has been increasingly criticized. No formal evaluation of the use of the Atlanta definitions in the literature has ever been performed.

METHODS

A Medline literature search sought studies published after 1993. Guidelines, review articles and their cross-references were reviewed to assess whether the Atlanta or alternative definitions were used.

RESULTS

A total of 447 articles was assessed, including 12 guidelines and 82 reviews. Alternative definitions of predicted severity of acute pancreatitis, actual severity and organ failure were used in more than half of the studies. There was a large variation in the interpretation of the Atlanta definitions of local complications, especially relating to the content of peripancreatic collections.

CONCLUSION

The Atlanta definitions for acute pancreatitis are often used inappropriately, and alternative definitions are frequently applied. Such lack of consensus illustrates the need for a revision of the Atlanta Classification.