Prognostic factors in acute pancreatitis

Chronic Use of Proton Pump Inhibitors Is Associated With Reduced 30-Day Mortality From Acute Pancreatitis

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) decrease pancreatic exocrine secretions. There has been interest in the impact of their short-term in-hospital administration on acute pancreatitis (AP) outcomes. It is unknown whether long-term use affects AP outcomes. We investigated the association between chronic PPI use and short-term AP outcomes. We included all (2308) patients admitted with a primary diagnosis of AP (625 on chronic PPI use) between January 2008 and June 2021 and evaluated any association between chronic PPI use and 30-day all-cause mortality by univariate logistic regression. Compared to non-users, patients on chronic PPIs were older (p < 0.001) and had a higher Charlson Comorbidity Index score (p < 0.001). Mortality rates at 30 days were 1.6% in chronic PPI users and 4.4% in non-users (OR 0.35; 95% CI, 0.17-0.66; p < 0.002). [Correction added on 18 February 2025, after first online publication: Mortality rates at 30 days in chronic PPI users and non-users were updated in this version.].

Gene Regulation of Neutrophils Mediated Liver and Lung Injury through NETosis in Acute Pancreatitis

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is one of the most common gastrointestinal emergencies, often resulting in self-digestion, edema, hemorrhage, and even necrosis of pancreatic tissue. When AP progresses to severe acute pancreatitis (SAP), it often causes multi-organ damage, leading to a high mortality rate. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying SAP-mediated organ damage remain unclear. This study aims to systematically mine SAP data from public databases and combine experimental validation to identify key molecules involved in multi-organ damage caused by SAP. Retrieve transcriptomic data of mice pancreatic tissue for AP, lung and liver tissue for SAP, and corresponding normal tissue from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Conduct gene differential analysis using Limma and DEseq2 methods. Perform enrichment analysis using the clusterProfiler package in R software. Score immune cells and immune status in various organs using single-sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA). Evaluate mRNA expression levels of core genes using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and immunohistochemistry. Validate serum amylase, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 levels in peripheral blood using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and detect the formation of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) in mice pancreatic, liver, and lung tissues using immunofluorescence. Differential analysis reveals that 46 genes exhibit expression dysregulation in mice pancreatic tissue for AP, liver and lung tissue for SAP, as well as peripheral blood in humans. Functional enrichment analysis indicates that these genes are primarily associated with neutrophil-related biological processes. ROC curve analysis indicates that 12 neutrophil-related genes have diagnostic potential for SAP. Immune infiltration analysis reveals high neutrophil infiltration in various organs affected by SAP. Single-cell sequencing analysis shows that these genes are predominantly expressed in neutrophils and macrophages. FPR1, ITGAM, and C5AR1 are identified as key genes involved in the formation of NETs and activation of neutrophils. qPCR and IHC results demonstrate upregulation of FPR1, ITGAM, and C5AR1 expression in pancreatic, liver, and lung tissues of mice with SAP. Immunofluorescence staining shows increased levels of neutrophils and NETs in SAP mice. Inhibition of NETs formation can alleviate the severity of SAP as well as the levels of inflammation in the liver and lung tissues. This study identified key genes involved in the formation of NETs, namely FPR1, ITGAM, and C5AR1, which are upregulated during multi-organ damage in SAP. Inhibition of NETs release effectively reduces the systemic inflammatory response and liver-lung damage in SAP. This research provides new therapeutic targets for the multi-organ damage associated with SAP.

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

Background

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

Methods

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

Results

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

Conclusion

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

Machine Learning-Guided Fluid Resuscitation for Acute Pancreatitis Improves Outcomes

INTRODUCTION

Ariel Dynamic Acute Pancreatitis Tracker (ADAPT) is an artificial intelligence tool using mathematical algorithms to predict severity and manage fluid resuscitation needs based on the physiologic parameters of individual patients. Our aim was to assess whether adherence to ADAPT fluid recommendations vs standard management impacted clinical outcomes in a large prospective cohort.

METHODS

We analyzed patients consecutively admitted to the Los Angeles General Medical Center between June 2015 and November 2022 whose course was richly characterized by capturing more than 100 clinical variables. We inputted these data into the ADAPT system to generate resuscitation fluid recommendations and compared with the actual fluid resuscitation within the first 24 hours from presentation. The primary outcome was the difference in organ failure in those who were over-resuscitated (>500 mL) vs adequately resuscitated (within 500 mL) with respect to the ADAPT fluid recommendation. Additional outcomes included intensive care unit admission, systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) at 48 hours, local complications, and pancreatitis severity.

RESULTS

Among the 1,083 patients evaluated using ADAPT, 700 were over-resuscitated, 196 were adequately resuscitated, and 187 were under-resuscitated. Adjusting for pancreatitis etiology, gender, and SIRS at admission, over-resuscitation was associated with increased respiratory failure (odd ratio [OR] 2.73, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.06-7.03) as well as intensive care unit admission (OR 2.40, 1.41-4.11), more than 48 hours of hospital length of stay (OR 1.87, 95% CI 1.19-2.94), SIRS at 48 hours (OR 1.73, 95% CI 1.08-2.77), and local pancreatitis complications (OR 2.93, 95% CI 1.23-6.96).

DISCUSSION

Adherence to ADAPT fluid recommendations reduces respiratory failure and other adverse outcomes compared with conventional fluid resuscitation strategies for acute pancreatitis. This validation study demonstrates the potential role of dynamic machine learning tools in acute pancreatitis management.

Improved outcome prediction in acute pancreatitis with generated data and advanced machine learning algorithms

OBJECTIVES

Traditional scoring systems have been widely used to predict acute pancreatitis (AP) severity but have limitations in predictive accuracy. This study investigates the use of machine learning (ML) algorithms to improve predictive accuracy in AP.

METHODS

A retrospective study was conducted using data from 101 AP patients in a tertiary hospital in Türkiye. Data were preprocessed, and synthetic data were generated with Gaussian noise addition and balanced with the ADASYN algorithm, resulting in 250 cases. Supervised ML models, including random forest (RF) and XGBoost (XGB), were trained, tested, and validated against traditional clinical scores (Ranson's, modified Glasgow, and BISAP) using area under the curve (AUC), F1 score, and recall.

RESULTS

RF outperformed XGB with an AUC of 0.89, F1 score of 0.82, and recall of 0.82. BISAP showed balanced performance (AUC = 0.70, F1 = 0.44, and recall = 0.85), whereas the Glasgow criteria had the highest recall but lower precision (AUC = 0.70, F1 = 0.38, and recall = 0.95). Ranson's admission criteria were the least effective (AUC = 0.53, F1 = 0.42, and recall = 0.39), probable because it lacked the 48th h features.

CONCLUSION

ML models, especially RF, significantly outperform traditional clinical scores in predicting adverse outcomes in AP, suggesting that integrating ML into clinical practice could improve prognostic assessments.

2024 Clinical Practice Guideline Update by the Infectious Diseases Society of America on Complicated Intra-abdominal Infections: Risk Assessment in Adults and Children

This paper is part of a clinical practice guideline update on the risk assessment, diagnostic imaging, and microbiological evaluation of complicated intra-abdominal infections in adults, children, and pregnant people, developed by the Infectious Diseases Society of America. In this paper, the panel provides a recommendation for risk stratification according to severity of illness score. The panel's recommendation is based on evidence derived from systematic literature reviews and adheres to a standardized methodology for rating the certainty of evidence and strength of recommendation according to the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation) approach.

Usefulness of Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)-Related Procedures for Gallstone Pancreatitis

INTRODUCTION

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and endoscopic sphincterotomy (EST) are said to be useful procedures for gallstone pancreatitis. However, there have been few reports on a large number of patients to whom they were used. The clinical usefulness of ERCP and EST is herein examined retrospectively.

METHODS

ERCP and EST were performed to evaluate their clinical usefulness and safety in 108 patients who had gallbladder stones from December 1985 to October 2017 and were diagnosed as having gallstone pancreatitis. Of 108 patients, 83 were mild, and 25 were severe. Following the procedures, clinical courses were observed for three years in 108 patients who underwent the treatments.

RESULTS

Cholangiogram was successfully conducted in 108 patients. Bile duct stones were noted in 90 patients, and the stones were removed after EST. Of 18 patients who did not show bile duct stone in cholangiogram, 13 patients underwent EST, while five patients taking anticoagulants completed procedures only with cholangiogram. Accidental symptom was hemorrhage in three patients (2.7%; 3/108), but it was mild and conservatively resolving. During the three-year observation period, acute cholangitis was noted in three patients (2.7%; 3/108), but no relapsing pancreatitis was noted.

CONCLUSIONS

It was suggested that ERCP and EST could be useful therapies for gallstone pancreatitis.

Aetiology, clinical profile, management and outcome of acute pancreatitis at public hospitals in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: a prospective observational study

Background

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is a rare gastrointestinal pathology that has recently become increasingly common owing to lifestyle changes. Its clinical presentation ranges from mild discomfort to organ failure and death. Previous studies in Ethiopia reported that AP is rare. However, lifestyle changes have recently increased. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the aetiology, clinical profile, management, and outcomes of AP.

Methods

This prospective observational study included 59 adults diagnosed with AP using the Revised Atlanta Classification between November 2021 and August 2022 at five public hospitals in Addis Ababa. The data were analyzed using SPSS 25. The mean ± standard deviation and adjusted odds ratio (AOR) at 95% CI were used.

Results

The mean age was 38.2 (SD±11.5 years), mostly aged 30-44, with 67% males and 89.8% patients presenting with new-onset AP. Abdominal pain and nausea were the most common presentations in 93.2% of patients. More than 52.5% of AP cases were caused by alcohol, followed by gallstones (28.8%), and gallstones (47.1%) underwent cholecystectomy during the index admission. One patient (1.7%) died. The length of hospital stay ranges from 1-47 days and increases with the severity of AP. Patients with recurrent AP had a 2.4 folds increase in complications compared to new-onset AP (AOR=2.4, 95% CI=1.38, 15.71).

Conclusion

Most AP cases were caused by alcohol consumption, followed by gallstones, smoking, and hypertriglyceridemia. One death in a 60-year-old male with an alcohol and smoking history was diagnosed and triaged as severe AP with persistent multiple organ failure; BISAP score 4, his Creatinine=2.55 mg/dl, haematocrit 72.6%; and left shift of WBC, was associated.

Prediction of Admission to Intensive Care Unit and 1-Year Mortality After Acute Pancreatitis With Walled-Off Pancreatic Necrosis: A Retrospective, Single-Center Cohort Study

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Pancreatic walled-off necrosis (WON) carries significant mortality and morbidity risks, often necessitating intensive care unit (ICU) admission. This retrospective study aimed to evaluate whether routine biochemical parameters at the time of the index endoscopic procedure could predict ICU admission and 1-year mortality following endoscopic treatment of WON.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We retrospectively identified 201 consecutive patients who underwent endoscopic drainage for WON between January 1, 2010, and December 31, 2020. Associations between routine biochemical blood tests and outcomes were assessed using logistic regression models.

RESULTS

Within 1 year of the index endoscopy, 31 patients (15.4%) died, and 40 (19.9%) were admitted to the ICU due to sepsis. Preoperative electrolyte disturbances were more prevalent among ICU-admitted patients and nonsurvivors. Hyperkalemia, hypoalbuminemia, and elevated urea were significant predictors of 1-year mortality, while hypernatremia, elevated serum creatinine, and hypoalbuminemia predicted ICU admission. Predictive models exhibited good discriminative ability, with an AUC of 0.84 (95% CI,0,75-0.93) for 1-year mortality and 0.86 (95%CI, 0.79-0.92) for ICU admission.

CONCLUSIONS

Preoperative imbalances in routine blood tests effectively predict adverse outcomes in endoscopically treated WON patients.

Opioid analgesia and severity of acute pancreatitis: An international multicentre cohort study on pain management in acute pancreatitis

BACKGROUND

The effect of analgesic modalities on short-term outcomes in acute pancreatitis remains unknown. However, preclinical models have raised safety concerns regarding opioid use in patients with acute pancreatitis.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to assess the association between analgesics, particularly opioids, and severity and mortality in hospitalised patients with acute pancreatitis.

METHODS

This prospective multicentre cohort study recruited consecutive patients admitted with a first episode of acute pancreatitis between April 1 and 30 June 2022, with a 1-month follow-up. Data on aetiology, clinical course, and analgesic treatment were collected. The primary outcome was the association between opioid analgesia and acute pancreatitis severity, which was analysed using univariate and multivariate analyses.

RESULTS

Among a total of 1768 patients, included from 118 centres across 27 countries, 1036 (59%) had opioids administered on admission day, and 167 (9%) received opioids after admission day. On univariate analysis, moderately severe or severe acute pancreatitis was associated with male sex, Asian ethnicity, alcohol aetiology, comorbidity, predicted severe acute pancreatitis, higher pain scores, longer pain duration and opioid treatment (all p < 0.001). On multivariate analysis, comorbidity, alcohol aetiology, longer pain duration and higher pain scores increased the risk of moderately severe or severe acute pancreatitis (all p < 0.001). Furthermore, opioids administered after admission day (but not on admission day) doubled the risk of moderately severe or severe disease (OR 2.07 (95% CI, 1.29-3.33); p = 0.003). Opioid treatment for 6 days or more was an independent risk factor for moderately severe or severe acute pancreatitis (OR 3.21 (95% CI, 2.16-4.79; p < 0.001). On univariate analysis, longer opioid duration was associated with mortality.

CONCLUSION

Opioid treatment increased the risk of more severe acute pancreatitis only when administered after admission day or for 6 days or more. Future randomised studies should re-evaluate whether opioids might be safe in acute pancreatitis.

A retrospective study of pregnant patients with acute pancreatitis

OBJECTIVE

Acute pancreatitis is a rare disease in pregnant patients. Although it may have serious maternal and fetal consequences, morbidity and mortality rates have decreased recently due to appropriate and rapid treatment with earlier diagnosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate pregnant patients diagnosed with acute pancreatitis.

METHODS

The study included pregnant patients diagnosed with acute pancreatitis who were admitted to Adana City Training and Research Hospital in Adana, Turkey, between January 2014 and January 2022. Patients' files were screened. Patients' demographics, acute pancreatitis etiology, severity, complications, and applied treatment, as well as maternal and fetal outcomes were evaluated.

RESULTS

The study included 65 pregnant patients with acute pancreatitis. The mean age was 26.6±5 (19-41) years. Acute pancreatitis was observed in the third trimester. The most common cause of acute pancreatitis was gallstones, and its severity was often mild. Only two patients required endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, and the remaining patients were treated medically. Maternal and infant death developed in a patient with necrotizing acute pancreatitis secondary to hyperlipidemia.

CONCLUSION

The most common etiology of acute pancreatitis in pregnancy was gallstones. Acute pancreatitis occurred in the third trimester. Most of the patients had mild acute pancreatitis. Maternal and fetal complications were rare. We think that the reasons for the low mortality rate were mild disease severity and biliary etiology, and most patients were in the third trimester, as well as early diagnosis and no delay in the intervention.

Understanding the role of frailty in local and systemic complications and healthcare resource utilization in acute pancreatitis: Findings from a national cohort

BACKGROUND

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is a significant gastrointestinal cause of hospitalization with increasing incidence. Risk stratification is crucial for determining AP outcomes, but the association between frailty and AP outcomes is poorly understood. Moreover, age disparities in severity indices for AP complicate risk assessment. This study investigates frailty's impact on local and systemic complications in AP, readmission rates, and healthcare resource utilization.

METHODS

Using the National Readmission Database from 2016 to 2019, we identified adult AP patients and assessed frailty using the Frailty Risk Score. Our analysis included local and systemic complications, resource utilization, readmission rates, procedures performed, and hospitalization outcomes. Multivariate regression was employed, and statistical significance was set at P < 0.05 using Stata version 14.2.

RESULTS

Among 1,134,738 AP patients, 6.94 % (78,750) were classified as frail, with a mean age of 63.42 years and 49.71 % being female. Frail patients experienced higher rates of local complications (e.g., pseudocyst, acute pancreatic necrosis, walled-off necrosis) and systemic complications (e.g., pleural effusion, acute respiratory distress syndrome, sepsis, abdominal compartment syndrome) compared to non-frail patients. Frailty was associated with increased readmission rates and served as an independent predictor of readmission. Frail patients had higher inpatient mortality (7.11 % vs. 1.60 %), longer hospital stays, and greater hospitalization costs.

CONCLUSION

Frailty in AP patients is linked to elevated rates of local and systemic complications, increased mortality, and higher healthcare costs. Assessing frailty is crucial in AP management as it provides a valuable tool for risk stratification and identifying high-risk patients, thereby improving overall outcomes.

The association between phosphate level at admission and early mortality in acute pancreatitis

BACKGROUND

Abnormal phosphate levels are associated with adverse outcomes in critical illness. However, there is scarce evidence on phosphate's impact on acute pancreatitis outcomes, and the few studies examining this subject are relatively small and show conflicting data. We sought to determine the association between phosphate level at admission and the clinical course and outcomes of acute pancreatitis.

METHODS

In this retrospective single-center observational study, we included all adult patients admitted with a primary diagnosis of acute pancreatitis between January 2008 and June 2021. Phosphate levels at admission were classified as normal (2.8-4.5 mg/dl), low (below 2.8 mg/dl), or high (above 4.5 mg/dl).

RESULTS

Out of 2308 cases, 1868 patients had documented phosphate levels at admission and were thus included in our final analysis. 1096 (59%) had normal phosphate levels, 686 (37%) had hypophosphatemia, and 86 (4.6%) had hyperphosphatemia on admission. 30-day mortality rates were 3.4%, 3.8%, and 19% in normal, low, and high phosphate levels, respectively. In univariate analysis, hyperphosphatemia was significantly associated with 30-day mortality, with an OR of 6.54 (95% CI 3.39-12.2, p < 0.001; AUC = 0.58). In a multivariate analysis adjusting for age, MAP, GFR, BUN, and pH, hyperphosphatemia remained a statistically significant independent predictor of early mortality (OR-2.93, 95% CI 1.28-6.51, p = 0.009). Hypophosphatemia was not significantly associated with 30-day mortality in univariate analysis, OR of 1.13 (95% CI 0.67-1.87, p = 0.6).

CONCLUSION

Hyperphosphatemia at admission was independently associated with increased 30-day mortality in patients with acute pancreatitis. Hypophosphatemia at admission was not significantly associated with 30-day mortality.

Severe Acute Pancreatitis Prediction: A Model Derived From a Prospective Registry Cohort

Background Severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) has a mortality rate as high as 40%. Early identification of SAP is required to appropriately triage and direct initial therapies. The purpose of this study was to develop a prognostic model that identifies patients at risk for developing SAP of patients managed according to a guideline-based standardized early medical management (EMM) protocol. Methods This single-center study included all patients diagnosed with acute pancreatitis (AP) and managed with the EMM protocol Methodist Acute Pancreatitis Protocol (MAPP) between April 2017 and September 2022. Classification and regression tree (CART®; Professional Extended Edition, version 8.0; Salford Systems, San Diego, CA), univariate, and logistic regression analyses were performed to develop a scoring system for AP severity prediction. The accuracy of the scoring system was measured by the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve. Results A total of 516 patients with mild (n=436) or moderately severe and severe (n=80) AP were analyzed. CART analysis identified the cutoff values: creatinine (CR) (1.15 mg/dL), white blood cells (WBC) (10.5 × 109/L), procalcitonin (PCT) (0.155 ng/mL), and systemic inflammatory response system (SIRS). The prediction model was built with a multivariable logistic regression analysis, which identified CR, WBC, PCT, and SIRS as the main predictors of severity. When CR and only one other predictor value (WBC, PCT, or SIRS) met thresholds, then the probability of predicting SAP was >30%. The probability of predicting SAP was 72% (95%CI: 0.59-0.82) if all four of the main predictors were greater than the cutoff values. Conclusions Baseline laboratory cutoff values were identified and a logistic regression-based prognostic model was developed to identify patients treated with a standardized EMM who were at risk for SAP.

Amphipathic Liponecrosis Impairs Bacterial Clearance and Causes Infection During Sterile Inflammation

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Although transient bacteremia is common during dental and endoscopic procedures, infections developing during sterile diseases like acute pancreatitis (AP) can have grave consequences. We examined how impaired bacterial clearance may cause this transition.

METHODS

Blood samples from patients with AP, normal controls, and rodents with pancreatitis or those administered different nonesterified fatty acids (NEFAs) were analyzed for albumin-unbound NEFAs, microbiome, and inflammatory cell injury. Macrophage uptake of unbound NEFAs using a novel coumarin tracer were done and the downstream effects-NEFA-membrane phospholipid (phosphatidylcholine) interactions-were studied on isothermal titration calorimetry.

RESULTS

Patients with infected AP had higher circulating unsaturated NEFAs; unbound NEFAs, including linoleic acid (LA) and oleic acid (OA); higher bacterial 16S DNA; mitochondrial DNA; altered β-diversity; enrichment in Pseudomonadales; and increased annexin V-positive myeloid (CD14) and CD3-positive T cells on admission. These, and increased circulating dead inflammatory cells, were also noted in rodents with unbound, unsaturated NEFAs. Isothermal titration calorimetry showed progressively stronger unbound LA interactions with aqueous media, phosphatidylcholine, cardiolipin, and albumin. Unbound NEFAs were taken into protein-free membranes, cells, and mitochondria, inducing voltage-dependent anion channel oligomerization, reducing ATP, and impairing phagocytosis. These were reversed by albumin. In vivo, unbound LA and OA increased bacterial loads and impaired phagocytosis, causing infection. LA and OA were more potent for these amphipathic interactions than the hydrophobic palmitic acid.

CONCLUSIONS

Release of stored LA and OA can increase their circulating unbound levels and cause amphipathic liponecrosis of immune cells via uptake by membrane phospholipids. This impairs bacterial clearance and causes infection during sterile inflammation.

Interpretations of the Role of Plasma Albumin in Prognostic Indices: A Literature Review

This review assesses how publications interpret factors that influence the serum or plasma albumin (PA) level in prognostic indices, focusing on inflammation and nutrition. On PubMed, a search for "albumin AND prognosis" yielded 23,919 results. From these records, prognostic indices were retrieved, and their names were used as search strings on PubMed. Indices found in 10 or more original research articles were included. The same search strings, restricted to "Review" or "Systematic review", retrieved yielded on the indices. The data comprised the 10 latest original research articles and up to 10 of the latest reviews. Thirty indices had 294 original research articles (6 covering two indices) and 131 reviews, most of which were from recent years. A total of 106 articles related the PA level to inflammation, and 136 related the PA level to nutrition. For the reviews, the equivalent numbers were 54 and 65. In conclusion, more publications mention the PA level as a marker of nutrition rather than inflammation. This is in contrast to several general reviews on albumin and nutritional guidelines, which state that the PA level is a marker of inflammation but not nutrition. Hypoalbuminemia should prompt clinicians to focus on the inflammatory aspects in their patients.

The development of new onset post-pancreatitis diabetes mellitus during hospitalisation is not associated with adverse outcomes

BACKGROUND

Patients with acute pancreatitis (AP) are at increased risk of developing post pancreatitis diabetes mellitus (PPDM). The aim of this study was to explore the incidence, risk factors and sequelae of developing PPDM in a UK tertiary referral centre.

METHODS

A prospectively collected single centre database was analysed. Patients were grouped according to whether they had DM or not. Patients with DM were further sub-grouped into pre-existing DM or PPDM. Outcomes measured included incidence of PPDM, mortality, ITU admission, overall length of stay (LOS) and local pancreatitis specific complications.

RESULTS

401 patients with AP between 2018 and 2021 were identified. Sixty-four (16%) of patients had pre-existing DM. Thirty-eight patients (11%) developed PPDM [mild (n = 4, 8.2%), moderate (n = 19, 10.1%), severe (n = 15, 15.2%), p = 0.326]. 71% required insulin therapy for the duration of follow-up or until death. The development of PPDM was strongly associated with the presence (p < 0.001) and extent of necrosis (p < 0.0001). On multi-variate analysis, the development of PPDM was not an independent predictor for increased LOS, ITU admission or overall mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence of PPDM was 11%. There was a strong correlation with extent of necrosis and the development of PPDM. PPDM did not adversely affect morbidity or mortality.

Modified computed tomography severity index in evaluation of acute pancreatitis and its correlation with clinical outcome: A prospective observational study from a tertiary care teaching hospital, India

Introduction

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is one of the most common yet, the most complex and challenging abdominal emergencies encountered by clinicians globally. It runs an unpredictable course. One-fifth of all AP patients develop complications. Many prognostic predictive scoring systems are used for AP. The aim of our study was to evaluate the usefulness of modified computed tomography severity index (MCTSI) scores to predict the need for intensive care unit (ICU) stay, complications, and mortality in patients of AP.

Methodology

An observational, prospective study was conducted for 1 year. Fifty cases diagnosed as AP were included in this study. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography of the abdomen and pelvis was carried out in all patients. MCTSI was calculated according to CT findings. Patients' demographic details, clinical findings, duration of hospital stay, complications, and interventions were recorded. SPSS version 26.0 was used for statistical analysis.

Results

A.

total of 50 patients were enrolled in the study. The mean age was 43.34 years. Total hospital stay was 9.02 ± 6.47 days, mean ward stay was 6.08 ± 2.73, and mean ICU stay was 2.94 ± 4.7 days. Five deaths were reported. There was a significant correlation between the necessity of ICU admission and grade of pancreatitis. There is significant correlation with age and ICU stay (r = 0.344, P = 0.014), age and ward stay (r = -0.340, P = 0.016), total duration of hospital stay and MCTSI score (r = 0.742, P = 0.000), duration of ward stay and MCTSI score (r = -0.442, P = 0.001), and strong correlation with duration of ICU stay and MCTSI score (r = 0.869, P = 0.000). A higher MCTSI score was significantly associated with the presence of local as well as systemic complications and with death (P = 0.0001).

Conclusion

Grading by modified CT severity index has a significant direct correlation with the necessity of ICU admission, duration of ICU stay, and total duration of hospital stay. A modified CT severity index can be used to predict the possibility of developing local and systemic complications as well as the need for interventions. Modified CTSI is a reliable predictor of clinical course and outcome in cases of acute pancreatitis.

Acute Pancreatitis: Current Clinical Approaches, Molecular Pathophysiology, and Potential Therapeutics

OBJECTIVE

Severe acute pancreatitis (SAP), pancreatic inflammation leading to multiorgan failure, is associated with high morbidity and mortality. There is a critical need to identify novel therapeutic strategies to improve clinical outcomes for SAP patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A comprehensive literature review was performed to identify current clinical strategies, known molecular pathophysiology, and potential therapeutic targets for SAP.

RESULTS

Current clinical approaches focus on determining which patients will likely develop SAP. However, therapeutic options are limited to supportive care and fluid resuscitation. The application of a novel 5-cytokine panel accurately predicting disease outcomes in SAP suggests that molecular approaches will improve impact of future clinical trials in AP.

CONCLUSIONS

Inflammatory outcomes in acute pancreatitis are driven by several unique molecular signals, which compound to promote both local and systemic inflammation. The identification of master cytokine regulators is critical to developing therapeutics, which reduce inflammation through several mechanisms.

Development and Validation of a Dynamic Nomogram for Predicting in-Hospital Mortality in Patients with Acute Pancreatitis: A Retrospective Cohort Study in the Intensive Care Unit

Purpose

The aim of this study is to develop and validate a predictive model for the prediction of in-hospital mortality in patients with acute pancreatitis (AP) based on the intensive care database.

Patients and Methods

We analyzed the data of patients with AP in the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care-IV (MIMIC-IV) database and Electronic Intensive Care Unit Collaborative Research Database (eICU-CRD). Then, patients from MIMIC-IV were divided into a development group and a validation group according to the ratio of 8:2, and eICU-CRD was assigned as an external validation group. Univariate logistic regression and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression were used for screening the best predictors, and multivariate logistic regression was used to establish a dynamic nomogram. We evaluated the discrimination, calibration, and clinical efficacy of the nomogram, and compared the performance of the nomogram with Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE-II) score and Bedside Index of Severity in AP (BISAP) score.

Results

A total of 1030 and 514 patients with AP in MIMIC-IV database and eICU-CRD were included in the study. After stepwise analysis, 8 out of a total of 37 variables were selected to construct the nomogram. The dynamic nomogram can be obtained by visiting https://model.sci-inn.com/KangZou/. The area under receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of the nomogram was 0.859, 0.871, and 0.847 in the development, internal, and external validation set respectively. The nomogram had a similar performance with APACHE-II (AUC = 0.841, p = 0.537) but performed better than BISAP (AUC = 0.690, p = 0.001) score in the validation group. Moreover, the calibration curve presented a satisfactory predictive accuracy, and the decision curve analysis suggested great clinical application value of the nomogram.

Conclusion

Based on the results of internal and external validation, the nomogram showed favorable discrimination, calibration, and clinical practicability in predicting the in-hospital mortality of patients with AP.

Factors Associated With Serial Lipase Measurement in Hospitalized Patients With Acute Pancreatitis

OBJECTIVES

To determine the factors associated with serial lipase measurement in patients with acute pancreatitis (AP).

METHODS

Patients admitted to Johns Hopkins Health System between September 2019 and August 2020 with lipase ≥3 times upper limit normal were prospectively identified. Acute pancreatitis was defined using revised Atlanta criteria. Serial lipase measurement was defined as >2 lipase measurements on consecutive days within 7 days of presentation.

RESULTS

There were 294 patients with AP with mean age 52.4 ± 16 years (SD), and 155 (52.7%) were male. A total of 227 (77.2%) were admitted to a medical service. There were 111 (37.7%) who underwent serial lipase measurements. There were 89 (30.8%), 36 (12.2%), 6 (1%), and 40 (13.6%) patients with systemic inflammatory response syndrome at time of initial lipase measurement, persistent organ failure, necrosis on admission, and intensive care unit admission. Serial lipase measurements were more likely to be obtained in patients admitted to surgical services (odds ratio, 4.3; 95% confidence interval, 1.4-13.2; P = 0.01) and nontertiary hospitals (odds ratio, 1.8; 95% confidence interval, 1.0-2.9; P = 0.04).

CONCLUSION

More than one-third of AP patients undergo serial lipase measurements. This practice is more likely to occur on surgical services and in nontertiary hospitals.

Mechanisms linking hypertriglyceridemia to acute pancreatitis

Hypertriglyceridemia (HTG) is a metabolic disorder, defined when serum or plasma triglyceride concentration (seTG) is >1.7 mM. HTG can be categorized as mild to very severe groups based on the seTG value. The risk of acute pancreatitis (AP), a serious disease with high mortality and without specific therapy, increases with the degree of HTG. Furthermore, even mild or moderate HTG aggravates AP initiated by other important etiological factors, including alcohol or bile stone. This review briefly summarizes the pathophysiology of HTG, the epidemiology of HTG-induced AP and the clinically observed effects of HTG on the outcomes of AP. Our main focus is to discuss the pathophysiological mechanisms linking HTG to AP. HTG is accompanied by an increased serum fatty acid (FA) concentration, and experimental results have demonstrated that these FAs have the most prominent role in causing the consequences of HTG during AP. FAs inhibit mitochondrial complexes in pancreatic acinar cells, induce pathological elevation of intracellular Ca²⁺ concentration, cytokine release and tissue injury, and reduce the function of pancreatic ducts. Furthermore, high FA concentrations can induce respiratory, kidney, and cardiovascular failure in AP. All these effects may contribute to the observed increased AP severity and frequent organ failure in patients. Importantly, experimental results suggest that the reduction of FA production by lipase inhibitors can open up new therapeutic options of AP. Overall, investigating the pathophysiology of HTG-induced AP or AP in the presence of HTG and determining possible treatments are needed.

Ferulic acid attenuates pancreaticobiliary duct occlusion-induced inflammation in both pancreas and liver

INTRODUCTION

Acute pancreatitis is a systemic inflammatory disorder characterized by the hyperactivation of digestion enzymes and the release of proinflammatory cytokines. Ferulic acid (FA) is a hydroxycinnamic acid derivative that has recently been shown to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

AIM

The anti-inflammatory effects of FA were investigated in the pancreaticobiliary duct ligation (PBDL)-induced pancreatitis model.

METHODS

Wistar albino rats (250-300 g; female = male) were divided into sham operation and PBDL groups. Some PBDL-performed animals were given intragastric saline or 250 mg/kg FA or 500 mg/kg FA 30 min before the PBDL and for 3 consecutive days. Moreover, the control group received saline. Blood samples are collected at the 24th, 48th, and 72nd hours to measure serum tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, liver, and pancreatic enzymes. At the 72nd hour, rats were euthanized; pancreas, lung, and liver samples were collected, scored microscopically, and analyzed for myeloperoxidase activity, malondialdehyde, and glutathione levels. One-way ANOVA with Tukey-Kramer tests were used for statistical analysis.

RESULTS

FA treatment reduced myeloperoxidase activity and prevented the depletion of glutathione in all three tissues. With FA treatments, high malondialdehyde levels in the pancreas and liver were reduced, as were serum TNF- α, amylase, lipase, alkaline phosphatase, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and total bilirubin levels. Additionally, FA ameliorated microscopic damage in the pancreas and liver significantly.

CONCLUSION

According to the findings, FA protects endogenous antioxidant content, prevents neutrophil infiltration, and decreases lipid peroxidation in PBDL-induced pancreatitis. Furthermore, FA improves tissue damage induced by pancreatitis with its anti-inflammatory effects.

A simple core dataset for triglyceride-induced acute pancreatitis

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study is to generate a core clinical dataset (CD) containing the minimum acceptable amount of information that should be collected for each patient presenting with triglyceride-induced acute pancreatitis within global treatment centres or sites.

METHOD

The Jandhyala Method, including systematic literature review and SMART interviews, was used to observe expert opinion from ten leaders in the treatment of triglyceride-induced acute pancreatitis (TG-IAP) across the US and EU.

RESULTS

Using the PRISMA Literature Review Protocol, data were extracted from 123 of the 6718 identified studies. A total of 243 items were identified from the data extracted from these studies and, combined with the unique items coded from the Awareness Round (1) survey, formed the Consensus Round (2) survey. One hundred and ninety-five of the 243 items (80%) met the consensus threshold and were included for appraisal in the SMART interview phase. A total of 109 items were agreed to form part of the current clinical diagnostic and monitoring procedure by all experts once the weights across all the stakeholder disciplines were balanced to eliminate bias. These items were further condensed to form the core dataset, comprising a total of 87 items.

CONCLUSION

Once validated and adopted, the TG-IAP CD will improve the overall management of patients with TG-IAP by speeding up diagnosis and detecting changes in disease severity and subsequent disease progression, informing personalized patient management plans, and improving patient outcomes.

Unexpected case of postnatal pancreatitis: first presentation of autoimmune diabetes

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is defined as the first onset of glucose intolerance in pregnancy without prior known diabetes. While it is commonly associated with metabolic risk factors such as obesity and hypertension, a small percentage of women with GDM have underlying autoimmune causes, with presence of islet-cell antibodies resulting in autoimmune-mediated destruction of the pancreas. We present a case of idiopathic postpartum pancreatitis precipitating fulminant diabetic ketoacidosis in a patient with otherwise well-controlled GDM during pregnancy, and subsequent findings of positive anti-glutamic acid decarboxylase antibody. This is the first presentation of autoimmune diabetes diagnosed postnatally in a woman who has no previous medical or family history.

Diagnosis, severity stratification and management of adult acute pancreatitis-current evidence and controversies

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is a disease spectrum ranging from mild to severe with an unpredictable natural course. Majority of cases (80%) are mild and self-limiting. However, severe AP (SAP) has a mortality risk of up to 30%. Establishing aetiology and risk stratification are essential pillars of clinical care. Idiopathic AP is a diagnosis of exclusion which should only be used after extended investigations fail to identify a cause. Tenets of management of mild AP include pain control and management of aetiology to prevent recurrence. In SAP, patients should be resuscitated with goal-directed fluid therapy using crystalloids and admitted to critical care unit. Routine prophylactic antibiotics have limited clinical benefit and should not be given in SAP. Patients able to tolerate oral intake should be given early enteral nutrition rather than nil by mouth or parenteral nutrition. If unable to tolerate per-orally, nasogastric feeding may be attempted and routine post-pyloric feeding has limited evidence of clinical benefit. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatogram should be selectively performed in patients with biliary obstruction or suspicion of acute cholangitis. Delayed step-up strategy including percutaneous retroperitoneal drainage, endoscopic debridement, or minimal-access necrosectomy are sufficient in most SAP patients. Patients should be monitored for diabetes mellitus and pseudocyst.

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.

Prognosis in acute pancreatitis associated with HIV infection

BACKGROUND

This prospective study compared scoring systems in predicting adverse outcomes in HIV associated acute pancreatitis (HIV+ve AP) METHODS: Systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS), Glasgow criteria, C-reactive protein (CRP), bedside index of severity in acute pancreatitis (BISAP) and APACHE II scores using standard cut-off values were used to predict the endpoint of moderate and severe disease in HIV-ve and HIV+ve patients and in CD4 counts above and below 200 cells/mm³.

RESULTS

Ninety (38%) of 238 patients with AP were HIV+ve. Fifteen had organ failure, 33 local complications and 12 patients died. Advanced age was not associated with severe disease. The APACHE II was the best predictor of severe disease in HIV+ve (AUC 0.88) and HIV-ve patients (AUC 0.81) and CRP was the poorest predictor (AUC 0.59) in HIV+ve patients. In HIV+ve patients with CD4 counts greater and less than 200 cells/mm³ the Glasgow and APACHE II scores were the best prognosticators (AUC > 0.8) and BISAP in patients with CD4 > 200 cells/mm³ (AUC 0.90).

CONCLUSION

The APACHE II score was most effective irrespective of HIV status whereas the BISAP scores was better in CD4 > 200 cells/mm³.

Jaundice on Presentation Is Associated with Higher In-Patient Mortality and Complications in Patients Admitted for Acute Pancreatitis: A Retrospective Study Based on National Inpatient Sample Database

Pancreatitis usually presents with characteristic abdominal pain, radiological findings, and elevated lipase. The presence of jaundice may hint at a biliary etiology; however, it is not always present. We hypothesized that the presence of jaundice is associated with worse outcomes in patients admitted with pancreatitis. We conducted a retrospective analysis using the National Inpatient Sample, inquiring about patients admitted with pancreatitis with and without jaundice between October 2015 and December 2017. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality in patients admitted for pancreatitis with and without jaundice. Secondary outcomes were the median length of stay, hospitalization cost, the incidence of ventilator-dependent respiratory failure (VDRF), acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), sepsis, septic shock, dehydration and electrolyte disturbances, and ascites. A total of 1,267,744 patients were admitted with pancreatitis from October 2015 to December 2017. Among them, 8855 (0.7%) had concomitant jaundice on presentation. In-hospital mortality in this group was 4.3%. The patients with pancreatitis and jaundice had higher odds of in-hospital mortality (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 1.51, 99% CI 1.35–1.68, p < 0.0001) as compared to those without jaundice. Patients with jaundice showed a significantly higher incidence of sepsis (15.2% vs. 9.6%, p < 0.0001), septic shock (4.1% vs. 2.9%, p < 0.0001), ascites (6.5% vs. 3.1%, p < 0.0001), and dehydration and electrolyte disorders (47.6% vs. 43.8%, p < 0.0001). Patients with jaundice also had higher total hospital costs ($11,412 vs. $7893, p < 0.0001). There was no statistical difference in ARDS, VDRF, and median length of stay. In conclusion, patients admitted for pancreatitis with jaundice had worse outcomes, including in-hospital mortality and complications, compared to those without jaundice.

Role of Serum Interleukin-6 and C-reactive Protein in Early Prediction of Severe Acute Pancreatitis

Background

Early prediction of severity is an important goal in acute pancreatitis (AP), to identify 20% of patients who are likely to have a severe course. Such patients have an expected mortality of 15-20% and may benefit from early admission to high dependency or intensive care units, with parenteral or nasojejunal feeding and prophylactic antibiotics. In severe AP (SAP), multiorgan dysfunction accounts for most of early deaths.

Aims

The aim of this article is to assess the role of serum interleukin (IL)-6 and serum C-reactive protein (CRP) in early prediction of severity of AP.

Materials and Methods

This observational analytical study was conducted in the Department of General Surgery and Department of Biochemistry in our hospital in 62 patients as per inclusion and exclusion criteria.

Results

IL-6 on day 1 and day 2 as well as CRP on day 2 was 100% sensitive but IL-6 on day 1 and day 2 had a maximum specificity of 88.37% among them when compared with a specificity of 81.4% of CRP on day 2. Though CRP on day 1 also had a specificity of 88.37%, its sensitivity was 89.47%.

Conclusion

IL-6 and CRP together appear to be a promising marker for assessing the severity of AP within 48 h. We recommend to do IL-6 and CRP in patients with AP, which can help in predicting severity of the disease in patients.

Similarities and Differences Between Gerontal and Young Patients with Acute Pancreatitis: Evaluation of Clinical Characteristics and Outcomes

Background:

Acute pancreatitis is an abrupt inflammatory disease of the exocrine pancreas and it can occur in different severities. It is becoming more common and more mortal in the gerontal population. The aim of our study was to explore the similarities and differences between young and gerontal patients with acute pancreatitis, with a special emphasis on patients over 80 years of age.

Methods:

Medical records of patients (n = 1150) with acute pancreatitis were analyzed retrospectively. Several scoring systems including Bedside index for severity in acute pancreatitis, Ranson’s score, Harmless acute pancreatitis score, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation, Balthazar Grade, Glasgow score, and Japanese severity score were applied at admission. Patients were divided into 3 groups; group I, young group (n = 706), if they were aged <65 years; group II, older group (n = 338), if they were aged ≥65 years to <80 years; group III, octogenarian group (n = 106), if they were aged ≥ 0 years.

Results:

In total, 1150 patients with acute pancreatitis were analyzed. Octogenarian group (n = 42, 39.6%) showed a more severe acute pancreatitis compared to patients in group I (n = 15, 2.1%) and II (n = 50, 14.8%, P < .001). Complications were more common in patients in group III (P < .001). Mortality rate was higher in patients in group III (n = 53, 50%) compared to group I (n = 8, 1.1%) and group II (n = 53, 15.7%) (P < .001).

Conclusion:

Gerontal patients with acute pancreatitis tend to have more severe disease and systemic and local complications. Mortality rates were higher in older patients compared to younger patients.

Aging is Associated with Prolonged Hospitalisation Stay in Pyogenic Liver Abscess-A 1:1 Propensity Score Matched Study in Elderly Versus Non-Elderly Patients

BACKGROUND

Mortality of pyogenic liver abscess (PLA) is high ranging 10%-40%. Old age predicts outcomes in many diseases but there is paucity of data on PLA outcomes. We aim to compare the morbidity and mortality between elderly and non-elderly in PLA.

METHODS

This is a retrospective study from 2007-2011 comparing elderly (≥ 65 years old) and non-elderly (< 65 years old) with PLA. A 1:1 propensity score matching (PSM) was performed. Baseline clinical profile and outcomes were compared.

RESULTS

There were 213 patients (elderly patients = 90 [42.3%], non-elderly patients = 123 [57.7%]). Overall median age is 62 (interquartile range [IQR] = 53-74) years old. PSM resulted in 102 patients (51 per arm). Length of hospitalisation stay (LOS) was significantly longer in elderly patients in both unmatched (16 [IQR = 10-24.5] versus 11 [IQR = 8-19] days; P < 0.001) and matched cohorts (17 [IQR = 13-27] versus 11 [IQR = 7-19] days; P = 0.001). In-hospital mortality was significantly higher in elderly patients in the unmatched cohort (elderly patients = 21.1%, non-elderly patients = 7.3%; P = 0.003) but was insignificant following PSM (elderly patients = 15.7%, non-elderly patients = 9.8%; P = 0.219). Duration of antibiotic therapy and need for percutaneous drainage (PD) were comparable before and after PSM.

CONCLUSION

Age ≥ 65 years old is associated with longer LOS. In-hospital mortality though higher in elderly patients, was not statistically significant.

Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio as an Early Predictor of Complication and Mortality Outcomes in Individuals With Acute Pancreatitis at a UK District General Hospital: A Retrospective Analysis

Aim

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the predictive usefulness of the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in patients with acute pancreatitis (AP) and establish a threshold for the prediction of poor outcomes.

Methods

For this investigation, we looked back at all cases of acute pancreatitis treated at Torbay Hospital in Torquay, UK, between January 1st, 2019, and December 31st, 2020. Those who were found to have chronic pancreatitis or whose baseline laboratory values could not be obtained were not included. Each patient’s entire hospital stay was analyzed, including up to 72 hours of medical and laboratory data.

Results

According to the Glasgow Coma Scale scoring system, 28 of the 314 included patients had severe acute pancreatitis, and 81 patients had pancreatitis with complications. Those with complications had a substantially higher NLR on day 1 (9.43 ± 7.57) than patients who recovered without complications (7.37 ± 5.88) (P-value = 0.028). The NLR on day 0 (>18.71) exhibited a sensitivity of 80%, a specificity of 90.2%, and an accuracy of 83.9% in forecasting the death of patients with pancreatitis.

Conclusion

Elevated baseline NLR corresponds with pancreatitis with complications and can predict mortality.

65 yaş üstü hastalarda puanlama sistemlerinin şiddetli akut pankreatiti ve mortaliteyi erken öngörme açısından değerlendirilmesi

Purpose: The aim of this study is to investigate the power of disease severity scores to predict the development of Severe Acute Pancreatitis (SAP) and mortality in the early period over 65 years old diagnosed with acute pancreatitis in the emergency department. Materials and Methods: We calculated RANSON (on admission) and Computed Tomography Severity Index (CTSI) in addition to Bedside Index for Severity in Acute Pancreatitis (BISAP) score on admission to the emergency department. Results: One hundred and sixty patients (46.9% over 80 years of age) were included in the study. We observed statistically higher length of hospitalization, longer duration of stay in the intensive care unit, SAP and higher mortality in patients over 80 years of age. When we examined the ROC curve, we determined that the AUC values of the BISAP score were highest in both SAP and mortality estimation (AUC: 0.911, 95% CI 0.861-0.962; AUC: 0.918, 95% CI 0.864-0.9722, respectively). Binary logistic analysis indicated a 4.7-fold increased risk for SAP and a 12.3-fold increased mortality for each unit increase in BISAP score value. Conclusion: BISAP may be a good predictor for SAP and mortality estimation on admission to the emergency department in patients over 65 years of age with acute pancreatitis.

Admission risk factors and predictors of moderate or severe pediatric acute pancreatitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Introduction

Pediatric acute pancreatitis (PAP) has an increasing incidence and is now estimated to be almost as common as in adults. Up to 30% of patients with PAP will develop moderate or severe disease course (M/SPAP), characterized by organ failure, local or systemic complications. There is still no consensus regarding on-admission severity prediction in these patients. Our aim was to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of available predictive score systems and parameters, and differences between on-admission parameters in mild and M/SPAP.

Methods

We conducted a systematic search on the 14th February, 2022 in MEDLINE, Embase and CENTRAL. We performed random-effects meta-analysis of on-admission differences between mild and M/SPAP in laboratory parameters, etiology, demographic factors, etc. calculating risk ratios (RR) or mean differences (MD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) and created forest plots. For the meta-analysis of predictive score systems, we generated hierarchical summary receiver operating characteristic curves using a bivariate model. Chi-squared tests were performed and I2 values calculated to assess statistical heterogeneity.

Results

We included 44 studies - mostly retrospective cohorts - in our review. Among predictive score systems examined by at least 5 studies, the modified Glasgow scale had the highest specificity (91.5% for values ≥3), and the Pediatric Acute Pancreatitis Severity score the highest sensitivity (63.1% for values ≥3). The performance of other proposed score systems and values were summarized. Traumatic (RR: 1.70 95% CI: 1.09-2.67) and drug-induced (RR: 1.33 95% CI: 0.98-1.87) etiologies were associated with a higher rate of M/SPAP, while anatomical (RR: 0.6195% CI: 0.38-0.96) and biliary (RR: 0.72 95% CI: 0.53-0.99) PAP tended to be less severe.

Discussion

Many predictive score systems were proposed to assess the possibility of M/SPAP course. The most commonly used ones exhibit good specificity, but subpar sensitivity. Our systematic review provides a rigorous overview of predictive options assessed thus far, that can serve as a basis for future improvement of scores via the addition of parameters with a better observed sensitivity: e.g., lipase exceeding 7-times the upper threshold, hemoglobin, etc. The addition of etiological factors is another possibility, as they can herald a more severe disease course.

Systematic review registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=307271, PROSPERO, identifier: CRD42022307271.

Gadolinium-Induced Acute Graft Pancreatitis in a Simultaneous Pancreas-Kidney Transplant Recipient

Gadolinium-induced acute pancreatitis is a rare phenomenon associated with the administration of gadolinium-based contrast agents. Only five cases of gadolinium-induced acute pancreatitis have been reported worldwide in patients with native pancreas and none with a pancreatic graft. We present a 32-year-old woman with prior history of simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplant who presented with generalized abdominal pain associated with systemic inflammatory response syndrome requiring admission to the intensive care unit. This occurred within 48 hours after having a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with gadolinium for investigation of subacute left optic atrophy. She was noted to have a marked rise in serum lipase, and the computed tomography findings were consistent with acute graft pancreatitis. Other causes of pancreatitis were ruled out, and she was managed conservatively with aggressive hydration, bowel rest, and analgesia with good recovery. This is the first reported case of gadolinium-induced acute graft pancreatitis occurring in a simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplant recipient. Clinicians should consider this rare differential diagnosis as a cause of graft pancreatitis in patients who have received gadolinium-based contrast agents.

Acute Necrotizing Pancreatitis Complicated by Multiple Splanchnic Venous Thromboses and Bilateral Renal Infarctions in a Patient With Recent COVID-19 Infection: A Case Report

Splanchnic vein thrombosis (SVT) is a well-known complication of pancreatitis, but extra-splanchnic thrombosis is rarely seen. We report a case of acute necrotizing pancreatitis complicated by portal vein thrombosis and resultant hepatic infarction, splenic vein thrombosis, bilateral renal infarction, and bowel hypoperfusion in an 81-year-old man with recent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first documented case of such extensive intra-abdominal thromboses complicating severe acute pancreatitis. Despite multi-organ support and systemic anticoagulation, he deteriorated into multiple organ failure and died after 72 hours. He had no prior history of thrombotic disorders. COVID-19 infection can cause sustained prothrombotic changes, while severe acute pancreatitis also produces an inflammatory response that promotes coagulation. Together, the two concurrent disease processes may have resulted in the particularly extensive intra-abdominal thromboses and infarctions seen in this patient. Physicians should be mindful of the elevated risk of severe vascular complications in acute pancreatitis patients with concurrent or recent COVID-19 infection.

Ward based goal directed fluid therapy (GDFT) in acute pancreatitis (GAP) trial: A feasibility randomised controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Goal-directed fluid therapy (GDFT) reduces complications in patients undergoing major general surgery. There are no reports of cardiac output evaluation being used to optimise the fluid administration for patients with acute pancreatitis (AP) in a general surgery ward.

METHOD

50 patients with AP were randomised to either ward-based GDFT (n = 25) with intravenous (IV) fluids administered based on stroke volume optimisation protocol or standard care (SC) (n = 25), but with blinded cardiac output evaluation, for 48-h following hospital admission. Primary outcome was feasibility.

RESULTS

50 of 116 eligible patients (43.1%) were recruited over 20 months demonstrating feasibility. 36 (72%) completed the 48-h of GDFT; 10 (20%) discharged within 48-h and 4 withdrawals (3 GDFT, 1 SC). Baseline characteristics were similar with only 3 participants having severe disease (6%, 1 GDFT, 2 SC). Similar volumes of IV fluids were administered in both groups (GDFT 5465 (1839) ml, SC 5211 (1745) ml). GDFT group had a lower heart rate, blood pressure and respiratory rate and improved oxygen saturations. GDFT was not associated with any harms. There was no evidence of difference in complications of AP (GDFT 24%, SC 32%) or in the duration of stay in intensive care (GDFT 0 (0), SC 0.7 [(Van DIjk et al., 2017) 33 days). Length of hospital stay was 5 (2.9) days in GDFT and 6.3 (7.6) in SC groups.

CONCLUSION

Ward-based GDFT is feasible and shows a signal of possible efficacy in AP in this early-stage study. A larger multi-site RCT is required to confirm clinical and cost effectiveness.

Comparison of different risk stratification systems for prediction of acute pancreatitis severity in patients referred to the emergency department of a tertiary care hospital

BACKGROUND

Prognostic prediction and estimation of severity at early stages of acute pancreatitis (AP) are crucial to reduce the complication rates and mortality. The objective of the present study is to evaluate the predicting ability of different clinical and radiological scores in AP.

METHODS

We retrospectively collected demographic and clinical data from 159 patients diagnosed with AP admitted to Canakkale Onsekiz Mart University Hospital between January 2017 and December 2019. Bedside index for severity AP (BISAP), and acute phys-iology and chronic health evaluation II (APACHE II) score at admission, Ranson and modified Glasgow Prognostic Score (mGPS) score at 48 h after admission were calculated. Modified computed tomography severity index (CTSI) was also calculated for each patient. Area under the curve (AUC) was calculated for each scoring system for predicting severe AP, pancreatic necrosis, length of hospital stay, and mortality by determining optimal cutoff points from the (ROC) curves.

RESULTS

mGPS and APACHE II had the highest AUC (0.929 and 0.823, respectively) to predict severe AP on admission with the best specificity and sensitivity. In predicting mortality BISAP (with a sensitivity, specificity, negative predictive value (NPV), and positive predictive value (PPV) of 75.0%, 70.9%, 98.2%, and 12.0%, respectively, [AUC: 0.793]) and APACHE II (with a sensitivity, specificity, NPV and PPV of 87.5%, 86.1%, 99.2%, and 25.0%, respectively, [AUC: 0.840]).

CONCLUSION

mGPS can be a valuable tool in predicting the patients more likely to develop severe AP and maybe somewhat better than BISAP score, APACHE II Ranson score, and mCTSI.

Comparison of modified Glasgow-Imrie, Ranson, and Apache II scoring systems in predicting the severity of acute pancreatitis

&lt;b&gt;Aim:&lt;/b&gt; The course of acute pancreatitis is variable with patients at risk of poor outcomes. The purpose of this study was to compare Modified Glasgow-Imrie, Ranson, and APACHE II scoring systems in predicting the severity of acute pancreatitis. &lt;/br&gt;&lt;/br&gt; &lt;b&gt; Material and Methods: &lt;/b&gt; After a brief history, clinical examination and qualifying inclusion criteria, 70 patients (41 women, 29 men) diagnosed with acute pancreatitis were included in the study. The three scores were calculated for each patient and evaluated for their role in the assessment of specific outcomes. &lt;/br&gt;&lt;/br&gt; &lt;b&gt;Results:&lt;/b&gt; 34.3% patients were diagnosed with severe acute pancreatitis, while 65.7% patients had mild acute pancreatitis. A strong positive correlation was found between all the prognostic scores and the severity of disease. In the prediction of the severity of disease according to AUC, it was found that Glasgow-Imrie score had an AUC of 0.864 (0.7560.973), followed very closely by APACHE II score with an AUC of 0.863 (0.7580.968). APACHE II had the highest sensitivity (79.17%) in predicting severity while Glasgow-Imrie score was the most specific (97.83%) of all the scores. Patients with a Glasgow-Imrie score above the cut-off value of 3 had more complications and a longer hospital stay. &lt;/br&gt;&lt;/br&gt; &lt;b&gt;Conclusion:&lt;/b&gt; The Glasgow-Imrie score was comparable to APACHE II score and better than Ranson score statistically in predicting the severity of acute pancreatitis. Its administration in predicting the severity of acute pancreatitis is recommended.

C-reactive protein accurately predicts severity of acute pancreatitis in children

INTRODUCTION

Predicting severity of acute pancreatitis enables optimization of care, reducing morbidity and length of stay. Modified adult scoring systems have not been able to adequately predict severity in children.

METHODS

This was a retrospective study of children presenting with a first episode of acute pancreatitis from 2002 to 2020 in a single tertiary paediatric surgical centre. Serum markers including CRP at 48 h of admission were analysed. Promising biomarkers underwent ROC (Receiver Operating Curve) analysis, and these were compared to the modified Glasgow Pancreas Score. An AUC (Area Under Curve) > 0.90 was taken as an excellent predictor of severity.

RESULTS

Data of 59 children were analysed, median age 13 years. 22 patients (37%) had a severe episode. ROC analysis demonstrated CRP as the best predictor of severity giving an AUC of 0.92. Optimum cut off value for CRP was 107.5 mg/L (p < 0.0001) producing sensitivity of 91%, specificity of 84%. This was superior to the modified Glasgow Pancreas score, which produced a sensitivity of 36% and specificity of 100%.

CONCLUSION

We have shown that a CRP value of > 108 mg/L within 48 h of admission can be used to predict severity of acute pancreatitis in children with greater accuracy than current scoring systems.

TYPE OF STUDY

Diagnostic test.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level I.

Clinical profile, etiology, and outcome of acute pancreatitis: Experience at a tertiary care center

Background:

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is an inflammatory process of the pancreas with varying degree of involvement of regional tissues. This was a population-based study on the incidence of AP. We aimed to determine the incidence, etiology, and outcome of AP.

Materials and Methodology:

This prospective study was conducted in the Department of Medicine, King George's Medical University, Lucknow, India, on 120 patients of AP. Clinical history, examination, and laboratory investigations were done. Severity of AP was assessed using the modified Atlanta classification.

Results:

A total of 120 patients comprising of 88 men (73.33%) and 32 women (26.66%) were recruited. The mean age of study participant was 36.96 ± 13.44 years. The most common presentation was abdominal pain followed by vomiting. The leading etiological factors were alcohol in 85 patients (70.8%) and gallstones in 25 (20.8%). It was idiopathic 5 patients (4.1%). Mortality was seen in three (2.5%) patients, all of which had severe pancreatitis. Patients with body mass index (BMI) ≥25 kg/m², Hematocrit (HCT) ≥44% and C-reactive protein (CRP) ≥150 mg/l had an increased risk of developing a severe AP.

Conclusions:

Alcohol and gallstones were the most common etiological factors of AP, whereas HCT, CRP, and BMI were the useful predictors of severe pancreatitis.

Acute Pancreatitis and Prognosticating Its Severity in Young Adults: A Case Report

Acute pancreatitis develops into mild acute, moderately severe, and severe forms in multiple clinical scenarios. The severity assessment of pancreatitis relies on various scoring systems, including CT Severity Index (CTSI), Multiple Organ Dysfunction Syndrome (MODS), Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE-II), Bedside Index for Severity in Acute Pancreatitis (BISAP), Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (SIRS), Multiple Organ System Score (MOSS), Glasgow score, and Ranson's Criteria (RC). This case report corresponds to a 20-year-old male with acute pancreatitis of unknown etiology. The RC scoring method produced two points, which could not prognosticate the possible severity of acute pancreatitis in the young patient. The hospital course included intubation with mechanical ventilation and ICU management. 

Diagnostic utility of hematological indices in predicting adverse outcomes and severity of acute pancreatitis based on BISAP and modified Glasgow score

BACKGROUND

The neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-lymphocyte-ratio (PLR), and red blood cell distribution width (RDW) are simple indicators of inflammatory status previously established as a severity indicator in distinct disease states. This study aimed to determine the impact of these simple hematologic indices with conventional inflammation markers such as C-reactive pro-tein (CRP) and white blood cells in acute pancreatitis (AP) patients and their relationship with AP risk stratification scores including Bedside Index for Severity of Acute Pancreatitis (BISAP) and modified Glaskow Prognostic score (mGPS) scores.

METHODS

This retrospective study was performed in the emergency department of Canakkale Onsekiz Mart University. A total of 171 patients (male/female: 68 [39.8%]/103 [60.3%]) with AP and 59 age and gender matched healthy subjects (male/female: 23 [39%]/36[61%]) as controls were enrolled in the present study. The patients were grouped according to severity and adverse outcomes according to BISAP and mGPS and a comparative analysis was performed to compare the NLR, PLR, and RDW between groups.

RESULTS

The mean NLR values of AP patients and control group were 9.62±6.34 and 2.04±1.08, respectively (p<0.001), while the mean PLR values of AP patients and control group were 221.83±122.43 and 83.30±38.89, respectively (p<0.001). Except from RDW, all the other hematologic indices were found to be elevated (p<0.05 for WBC; NLR, PLR, and CRP) on both mild and severe disease at disease onset. NLR and PLR showed significant predictive ability for estimating serious complications associated with AP.

CONCLUSION

The present study showed that NLR and PLR is increased in AP. Moreover, peripheral blood NLR and PLR values can predict disease severity and adverse outcomes associated with AP and can be used as an adjunctive marker for estimating disease severity.

Serum chitotriosidase and YKL-40 in acute pancreatitis: Reliability as prognostic marker for disease severity and correlation with inflammatory markers

Background/aim

Chitotriosidase and YKL-40, also called chitinase 3-like protein 1, are homologs of family 18 glycosyl hydrolases, secreted by human macrophages and granulocytes under inflammatory conditions. Although increased levels of chitotriosidase and YKL-40 are linked with several inflammatory diseases, the physiological utility of these two enzymes is still not fully characterized. This study aims to analyse the serum YKL-40 and chitotriosidase levels of acute pancreatitis patients to assess whether their activity correlates with acute pancreatitis and its severity.

Materials and methods

Chitotriosidase and YKL-40 levels, along with routine laboratory parameters, were determined from the serum samples of 41 acute pancreatitis patients, at both onset and remission (male/female: 22/19), and 39 healthy subjects (male/female: 19/20). The Modified Glasgow Prognostic Score was used to predict the severity of the disease, and a correlation analysis was performed between study variables.

Results

A statistically significant increase in both chitotriosidase and YKL-40 levels was observed in acute pancreatitis patients compared to healthy controls (P < 0.001). Higher levels of YKL-40, chitotriosidase and C-reactive protein were found in patients with acute pancreatitis at onset than in remission. The correlation analysis showed a statistically significant association between YKL-40 and chitotriosidase (p = 0.039, r = 0.323). The cut-off point for YKL-40, for detecting acute pancreatitis, was 60.3 with a sensitivity and specificity of 84.9% and 84.6% (AUC: 0.890). The optimum cut-off points for chitotriosidase, for detecting acute pancreatitis, was 33.5 with a sensitivity and specificity of 79.5% and 78.4% (AUC: 0.899).

Conclusion

Elevated YKL-40 and chitotriosidase levels in acute pancreatitis patients demonstrate the importance of possible macrophage involvement in the pancreatic microenvironment during acute pancreatitis progression.

Harmless Acute Pancreatitis Negative among Cases of Acute Pancreatitis in a Tertiary Care Centre: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study

INTRODUCTION

Acute Pancreatitis is a common disease, diagnosed in about 3% of cases presenting with abdominal pain. Severe disease with multiple systemic complications develops in 10-20% of the cases which require intensive care in specialized centres. Harmless acute pancreatitis score is a simple and economical score predicting the non-severe course of disease within 30 minutes of admission. The aim of our study was to find the prevalence of harmless (harmless acute pancreatitis) among cases of acute pancreatitis in a tertiary care centre.

METHODS

A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted after obtaining the ethical approval (Reference no. 344/2076/77). The study was carried out from September 2019 to February 2020 taking 50 patients with the first attack of acute pancreatitis. Convenient sampling was done. Harmless acute pancreatitis score prediction of severe disease and final outcome as severe or non-severe was noted with predefined severity criteria. Data were entered in Microsoft Excel and Statistical Package for the Social Sciences and results represented in tables and charts. Point estimate at 95% was done and frequency and percentage were calculated.

RESULTS

Out of 50 patients with first attack of acute pancreatitis, using the harmless acute pancreatitis score, the prevalence of harmless acute pancreatitis was 22 (56%) (44.45-67.5 at 90% Confidence Interval).

CONCLUSIONS

The harmless acute pancreatitis score is an easy, less expensive, quick and promising early scoring system for prediction of non-severe courses of acute pancreatitis. The prevalence of harmless (harmless acute pancreatitis) among cases of acute pancreatitis was found to be similar to other studies.

Machine learning predictive models for acute pancreatitis: A systematic review

INTRODUCTION

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is a common clinical pancreatic disease. Patients with different severity levels have different clinical outcomes. With the advantages of algorithms, machine learning (ML) has gradually emerged in the field of disease prediction, assisting doctors in decision-making.

METHODS

A systematic review was conducted using the PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Embase databases, following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Publication time was limited from inception to 29 May 2021. Studies that have used ML to establish predictive tools for AP were eligible for inclusion. Quality assessment of the included studies was conducted in accordance with the IJMEDI checklist.

RESULTS

In this systematic review, 24 of 2,913 articles, with a total of 8,327 patients and 47 models, were included. The studies could be divided into five categories: 10 studies (42%) reported severity prediction; 10 studies (42%), complication prediction; 3 studies (13%), mortality prediction; 2 studies (8%), recurrence prediction; and 2 studies (8%), surgery timing prediction. ML showed great accuracy in several prediction tasks. However, most of the included studies were retrospective in nature, conducted at a single centre, based on database data, and lacked external validation. According to the IJMEDI checklist and our scoring criteria, two studies were considered to be of high quality. Most studies had an obvious bias in the quality of data preparation, validation, and deployment dimensions.

CONCLUSION

In the prediction tasks for AP, ML has shown great potential in assisting decision-making. However, the existing studies still have some deficiencies in the process of model construction. Future studies need to optimize the deficiencies and further evaluate the comparability of the ML systems and model performance, so as to consequently develop high-quality ML-based models that can be used in clinical practice.

Sequential organ failure assessment score is superior to other prognostic indices in acute pancreatitis

BACKGROUND

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is a common surgical condition, with severe AP (SAP) potentially lethal. Many prognostic indices, including; acute physiology and chronic health evaluation II score (APACHE II), bedside index of severity in acute pancreatitis (BISAP), Glasgow score, harmless acute pancreatitis score (HAPS), Ranson's score, and sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) evaluate AP severity and predict mortality.

AIM

To evaluate these indices' utility in predicting severity, intensive care unit (ICU) admission, and mortality.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of 653 patients with AP from July 2009 to September 2016 was performed. The demographic, clinical profile, and patient outcomes were collected. SAP was defined as per the revised Atlanta classification. Values for APACHE II score, BISAP, HAPS, and SOFA within 24 h of admission were retrospectively obtained based on laboratory results and patient evaluation recorded on a secure hospital-based online electronic platform. Data with < 10% missing data was imputed via mean substitution. Other patient information such as demographics, disease etiology, and patient outcomes were also derived from electronic medical records.

RESULTS

The mean age was 58.7 ± 17.5 years, with 58.7% males. Gallstones (n = 404, 61.9%), alcohol (n = 38, 5.8%), and hypertriglyceridemia (n = 19, 2.9%) were more common aetiologies. 81 (12.4%) patients developed SAP, 20 (3.1%) required ICU admission, and 12 (1.8%) deaths were attributed to SAP. Ranson's score and APACHE-II demonstrated the highest sensitivity in predicting SAP (92.6%, 80.2% respectively), ICU admission (100%), and mortality (100%). While SOFA and BISAP demonstrated lowest sensitivity in predicting SAP (13.6%, 24.7% respectively), ICU admission (40.0%, 25.0% respectively) and mortality (50.0%, 25.5% respectively). However, SOFA demonstrated the highest specificity in predicting SAP (99.7%), ICU admission (99.2%), and mortality (98.9%). SOFA demonstrated the highest positive predictive value, positive likelihood ratio, diagnostic odds ratio, and overall accuracy in predicting SAP, ICU admission, and mortality. SOFA and Ranson's score demonstrated the highest area under receiver-operator curves at 48 h in predicting SAP (0.966, 0.857 respectively), ICU admission (0.943, 0.946 respectively), and mortality (0.968, 0.917 respectively).

CONCLUSION

The SOFA and 48-h Ranson's scores accurately predict severity, ICU admission, and mortality in AP, with more favorable statistics for the SOFA score.