Treatment strategy against infection: clinical outcome of continuous regional arterial infusion, enteral nutrition, and surgery in severe acute pancreatitis

Background In severe acute pancreatitis (SAP), infectious complications are the main contributors to high mortality. Since 1995, we have performed continuous regional arterial infusion of protease inhibitor and antibiotics (CRAI) and enteral nutrition (EN) as prevention therapies against infection. When infected pancreatic necrosis was proven, surgical intervention was adapted. The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical outcome of these treatments. Methods We examined the relationship between the historical change of treatment strategy and clinical outcome. We divided 84 patients with acute necrotizing pancreatitis into two groups, CRAI (−) and CRAI (+), and compared the outcome. We divided 145 patients with SAP into two groups, EN (−) and EN (+), and compared the outcome. We also analyzed the outcome of surgical treatment. Results In the CRAI (+) group, the incidence of infection, the frequency of surgery, and the mortality rate were lower than those in CRAI (−) group: 34% versus 51%, 27% versus 63% (P < 0.05), and 37% versus 54%, respectively. In the EN (+) group, the frequency of surgery and the mortality rate were lower than those in the EN (−) group: 23% versus 32% and 19% versus 35% (P < 0.05), respectively. These improvement effects were manifest in stage 3 (9 ≤ Japanese Severity Score ≤ 14). Treatment outcome of necrosectomy for infected pancreatic necrosis was still poor. Bleeding and abscess–gut fistula were postoperative life-threatening complications. Conclusions CRAI and EN may improve the clinical outcome of SAP, reducing infection and averting pancreatic surgery.     

Prediction of early death in severe acute pancreatitis

Background In severe acute pancreatitis (SAP), it is clinically important at the time of admission to predict the likelihood of early death. This investigation aimed to clarify the factors predicting early death in SAP. Methods Early death was defined as death within 10 days after disease onset. Prediction factors for early death were evaluated from data obtained on admission from 93 patients with SAP, and the characteristics of patients who died early were analyzed. Results Between the early-death and early-survival groups, significant factors were base excess (BE), serum creatinine (Cr), blood sugar, serum glutamate oxaloacetic transaminase, and serum calcium. Multivariate analysis revealed that BE was an independent prediction factor for early death. The early-death rate in patients with BE < −5.5 mEq/l and Cr ≥ 3.0 mg/dl was 31% and 36%, respectively. The combination of BE and Cr raised the positive predictive value to 50%, and was equally able to predict early death as the Japanese Severity Score (JSS), which was the most useful of the three conventional scoring systems used. All early-death patients had pancreatic necrosis, and their JSS was ≥15 (stage 4). Characteristically, early-death patients had lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) > 1300 IU/l, or they had serious preexisting comorbidities. Conclusions As a single parameter, BE was most useful for predicting early death. The combination of BE and Cr could predict early death as well as the JSS. An extreme rise of LDH and serious preexisting comorbidity may also be risk factors for early death.     

Continuous regional arterial infusion therapy with gabexate mesilate for severe acute pancreatitis

AIM： To evaluate the efficacy of continuous regional arterial infusion therapy （CRAI） with gabexate mesilate and antibiotics for severe acute pancreatitis （SAP）. METHODS： We conducted a prospective study on patients who developed SAP with or without CRAI. Out of 18 patients fulfilled clinical diagnostic criteria for SAP in Japan, 9 patients underwent CRAI, while 9 patients underwent conventional systemic protease inhibitor and antibiotics therapy （non-CRAI）. CRAI was initiated within 72 h of the onset of pancreatitis. Gabexate mesilate （2400 mg/d） was continuously administered for 3 to 5 d. The clinical outcome including serum inflammation-related parameters were examined. RESULTS- The duration of abdominal pain in the CRAI group was 1.9 =1：0.26 d, whereas that in the non-CRAI group was 4.3 ±0.50. The duration of SIRS in the CRAI group was 2.2 ± 0.22 d, whereas that in the non- CRAI group was 3.2 ± 0.28. Abdominal pain and SIRS disappeared significantly in a short period of time after the initiation of CRAI using gabexate mesilate. The average length of hospitalization significantly differed between the CRAI and non-CRAI groups, 53.3 ± 7.9 d and 87.4± 13.9 d, respectively. During the first two weeks, levels of serum CRP and the IL6/IL10 ratio in the CRAI group tended to have a rapid decrease compared to those in the non-CRAI group. CONCLUSION： The present results suggest that CRAI using gabexate mesilate was effective against SAP.     

Comparison of scoring systems used in acute pancreatitis for predicting major adverse events

ObjectivesTimely identification of patients with acute pancreatitis who are likely to have a severe disease course is critical. Based on that, many scoring systems have been developed throughout the years. Although many of them are currently in use, none of them has been proven to be ideal. In this study, we aimed to compare the discriminatory power of relatively newer risk scores with the historical ones for predicting in-hospital major adverse events, 30-day mortality and 30-day readmission rate.Patients and methodsPatients who had been admitted due to acute pancreatitis were retrospectively investigated. Five risk scoring systems including HAPS, Ranson, BISAP, Glasgow, and JSS were calculated using the data of the first 24 h of admission. Predictive accuracy of each scoring system was calculated using the area under the receiver-operating curve method.ResultsOverall 690 patients were included in the study. In-hospital major adverse events were observed in 139 (20.1%) patients of whom, 19 (2.5%) died during hospitalization. 30-day all-cause mortality and 30-day readmission were observed in 22 (3.2%) and 27 (3.9%) patients respectively. Negative predictive value of each score was markedly higher compared to positive predictive values. Among all, JSS scoring system showed the highest AUC values across all end-points (0.80 for in-hospital major adverse events; 0.94 for in-hospital mortality; 0.91 for 30-day mortality). However, all five scoring systems failed to predict 30-day readmission.DiscussionJSS was the best classifier among all five risk scoring systems particularly owing to its high sensitivity and negative predictive value.     

Efficacy of continuous regional arterial infusion of a protease inhibitor and antibiotic for severe acute pancreatitis in patients admitted to an intensive care unit

To investigate the efficacy of continuous regional arterial infusion (CRAI) of a protease inhibitor and antibiotic for severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) in patients admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU). A total of 51 patients with SAP requiring admission to an ICU were studied. The patients were divided into two groups: one received the protease inhibitor nafamostat mesylate and the antibiotic imipenem by continuous regional arterial infusion (CRAI group) and the other received protease inhibitors and antibiotics by intravenous infusion (non-CRAI group). To evaluate the therapeutic usefulness of CRAI of a protease inhibitor and antibiotic for SAP, the rate of surgery and the cumulative survival rate were compared between the non-CRAI group and the CRAI group. The rate of surgery was 32% in the non-CRAI group and 9% in the CRAI group (P = 0.08). Cumulative survival rates at 1, 6, and 12 months were 77.9%, 48.9%, and 48.9% in the non-CRAI group compared with 100.0%, 100.0%, and 87.1% in the CRAI group. Outcome was thus significantly better in the CRAI group than in the non-CRAI group (P = 0.002). CRAI of a protease inhibitor and antibiotic may decrease the need for surgical therapy and reduce mortality in patients with SAP.     

The N-terminal pro-brain-type natriuretic peptide based short-term prognosis in patients with acute pulmonary embolism according to renal function

N-terminal pro-brain-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) is currently used for risk stratification in acute pulmonary embolism (PE). We aimed to clarify the impact of renal function on the validity of the NT-proBNP based prognosis, assuming that the biomarker is accumulated in renal insufficiency. The NT-proBNP based prediction of PE related in-hospital death was investigated according to renal function in 329 patients with acute PE. The normalized NT-proBNP ratios (NT-proBNP level divided by the age-adjusted normal upper range) were inversely correlated (r = −0.414, P < 0.001) to the estimated glomerular filtration rates (eGFR). A cut-off point of ≥ 2.5 for the normalized NT-proBNP ratio was found to be best for the prediction of mortality (AUC 0.716, 95% CI 0.626–0.805, P < 0.001) and was a significant predictor for death in univariate and multivariate analysis. A normalized NT-proBNP ratio ≥ 2.5 was a significant predictor for PE-mortality only in patients with an eGFR ≥ 60 ml/min/1.73 m2. Renal insufficiency significantly predicted mortality in univariate but not in multivariate analysis. High-risk PE and cerebrovascular diseases were significantly more frequent in renal dysfunction and significantly predicted death in univariate and multivariate analysis. The validity of the NT-proBNP based short-term prognosis might be limited in renal dysfunction not only by accumulation, but also because renal insufficiency itself and concurrent conditions are contributing to PE related mortality.     

Red cell distribution width to serum albumin ratio as an early prognostic marker for severe acute pancreatitis: A retrospective study

Background and study aimsThe ability to predict severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) at an early stage is crucial for reducing the associated complications and mortality. In this study, we compared the ratio of red cell distribution width to albumin (RDW-to-ALB) using predictive scoring systems, such as the Ranson score, BISAP, and MCTSI, to develop a simple and accurate method of predicting SAP.Patients and methodsWe included 212 patients with mild acute pancreatitis (MAP) and 89 with SAP between January 2013 and December 2018. The differences in the general characteristics and biochemical analysis as well as the various predictive scores were compared between the two groups. We evaluated the sensitivity and specificity between the RDW-to-ALB ratio, RDW, ALB, and multiple predictive scores in patients with early acute pancreatitis (AP) by using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve.ResultsThe RDW-to-ALB ratio (%) of patients with SAP was higher than that of patients with MAP (0.43 ± 0.08 vs. 0.32 ± 0.04, p < 0.001). Patients with SAP had higher Ranson, BISAP, and MCTSI scores than those with MAP. The ROC curve revealed that, when the RDW-to-ALB ratio (%) was >0.36, the sensitivity and specificity of the predicted SAP were 80.0% and 80.7%, respectively. Further statistical analysis found that the RDW-to-ALB ratio and Ranson, BISAP, and MCTSI scores were consistent in predicting SAP effectiveness (P > 0.05).ConclusionsThe RDW-to-ALB ratio has a promising predictive power for SAP, and its effectiveness is comparable with those of Ranson, BISAP, and MCTSI scores.     

Timing of enteral nutrition in acute pancreatitis: Meta-analysis of individuals using a single-arm of randomised trials

IntroductionIn acute pancreatitis, enteral nutrition (EN) reduces the rate of complications, such as infected pancreatic necrosis, organ failure, and mortality, as compared to parenteral nutrition (PN). Starting EN within 24 h of admission might further reduce complications.MethodsA literature search for trials of EN in acute pancreatitis was performed. Authors of eligible trials were requested to provide the data of all patients in the EN-arm of their trials. A meta-analysis of individual patient data was performed. The cohort of patients with EN was divided into patients receiving EN within 24 h or after 24 h of admission. Multivariable logistic regression, adjusting for predicted disease severity and trial, was used to study the effect of timing of EN on a composite endpoint of infected pancreatic necrosis, organ failure, or mortality.ResultsObservational data from 165 individuals from 8 randomised trials were obtained; 100 patients with EN within 24 h and 65 patients with EN after 24 h of admission. In the multivariable model, EN started within 24 h of admission compared to EN started after 24 h of admission, reduced the composite endpoint from 45% to 19% (adjusted odds ratio [OR] of 0.44; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.20–0.96). Within the composite endpoint, organ failure was reduced from 42% to 16% (adjusted OR 0.42; 95% CI 0.19–0.94).ConclusionsIn this meta-analysis of observational data from individuals with acute pancreatitis, starting EN within 24 h after hospital admission, compared with after 24 h, was associated with a reduction in complications.     

Strategy for bacterial translocation in acute pancreatitis]

Although bacterial translocation (BT) is thought to be a main cause of secondary pancreatic infection, the clinical significance is still unclear. Therefore, we investigated relationship between pancreatic infection and BT, analyzing the results of treatments such as continuous regional arterial infusion of protease inhibitor and antibiotics (CRAI), selective digestive decontamination, and early enteral nutrition (SDD/EN) in 45 severe acute pancreatitis patients. The infection rate of 17 cases without CRAI, SDD/EN was 58.8%, and mortality was 23.5%. Antibiotics-resistant bacteria, such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) was often proven in infected pancreatic tissue. Whereas, in 16 cases who underwent both therapy, only one patient died of multi-organ failure (6.3%). Pseudomonas aeruginosa and K. pneumoniae were proven from his feces before pancreatic infection coincidence, and, in autopsy, these bacteria and MRSA were proved from necrotic pancreatic tissue. BT must be large cause of secondary pancreas infection, because CRAI and SDD/ EN prevent secondary pancreatic infection. But we must consider other infection routes, and development of antibiotics resistant bacteria.     

Continuous regional arterial infusion for the treatment of severe acute pancreatitis: a meta-analysis

BACKGROUND: Continuous regional arterial infusion(CRAI) is a drug delivery system, which dramatically increases the drug concentration in the pancreas. Previous clinical and basic studies have demonstrated the possible therapeutic efficacy of CRAI for severe acute pancreatitis(SAP). This meta-analysis of all published randomized controlled trials(RCTs) was conducted to assess the efficacy and safety of CRAI for the treatment of SAP. DATA SOURCES: Up to August 10, 2014, RCTs comparing CRAI with intravenous infusion for SAP in PubM ed, Embase, EBSCO, MEDLINE, Science Citation Index Expanded, Cochrane Library, China Academic Journals Full-Text Database, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, and Chinese Scientific Journals Database were selected by two independent reviewers. The relative risk(RR) and their 95% confidence intervals(CI) for duration of elevated serum amylase and urine amylase, duration of abdominal pain, infection rate, incidence of complication, overall mortality, curative rate, hospital stay and details of subgroup analysis were extracted. Meta-analyses were made using the software Review Manager(RevM an version 5.10).RESULTS: Six RCTs with 390 patients meeting the inclusion criteria were included in the final analysis. Compared with intravenous infusion route, CRAI significantly shortened the duration of elevated urine amylase(MD=-2.40, 95% CI=-3.20,-1.60; P0.00001) and the duration of abdominal pain(MD=-1.46, 95% CI=-1.94,-0.98; P0.00001), decreased the incidence of complication(RR=0.35, 95% CI=0.15, 0.81; P=0.01) and overall mortality(RR=0.25, 95% CI=0.08, 0.78;P=0.02), shortened the duration of hospital stay(MD=-10.36, 95% CI=-17.05,-3.68; P=0.002), and increased the curative rate(RR=1.66, 95% CI=1.13, 2.46; P=0.01). No mortality and catheter-related infections due to CRAI administration was reported in these studies. Subgroup analysis showed that the combination of drug administration via CRAI did not significantly improve the outcomes.CONCLUSION: CRAI is effective for the treatment of SAP, and the combination of drug administration via CRAI did not have a significant effect on the improvement of the outcomes.     

Etiology and mortality in severe acute pancreatitis: A multicenter study in Japan

Background/ObjectivesSevere acute pancreatitis (SAP) has a high mortality rate despite ongoing attempts to improve prognosis through a various therapeutic modalities. This study aimed to delineate etiology-based routes that may guide clinical decisions for the treatment of SAP.MethodsUsing data from a recent retrospective multicenter study in Japan, we analyzed the association between clinical outcomes, mainly in-hospital mortality and pancreatic infection, and various etiologies while considering confounding factors. We performed additional multivariate analyses and built decision tree models.ResultsThe 1097 participating patients were classified into the following groups by etiology: alcohol (n = 436, 39.7%); cholelithiasis (n = 230, 21.0%); idiopathic (n = 227, 20.7%); and others (n = 204, 18.6%). Mortality at hospital discharge was 8.4%, 12.2%, 16.7%, and 16.2% in the alcohol, cholelithiasis, idiopathic, and others groups, respectively. According to multivariable analysis, early enteral nutrition (EN) was significantly associated with reduced in-hospital mortality only in the cholelithiasis group. However, there was a consistent association between age and the need for mechanical ventilation and increased mortality, regardless of etiology. Our decision tree models presented different contributing factors depending on the etiology and patient background. Interaction analysis showed that EN and the use of prophylactic antibiotics may influence these results differently according to etiology.ConclusionsNo study has yet used comprehensive models to investigate etiology-related prognostic factors for SAP; our results can, therefore, be used as a reference for improving clinical decisions.     

Strategy for treatment of acute necrotizing pancreatitis: Importance of continuous regional arterial infusion of protease inhibitor and antibiotics in the early phase

A new strategy for the treatment of acute necrotizing pancreatitis (ANP) is reported. In this prospective study, all patients received intensive medical support. Surgery was performed in patients with infected pancreatic necrosis and/or sepsis. Continuous regional arterial infusion (CRAI) of the protease inhibitor, nafamostat mesilate, and the antibiotic imipenem was initiated in patients with ANP referred to our hospital within 7 days of the onset of the disease. Sixty patients with ANP were allocated to three groups: group I, no CRAI (n =16); group II, CRAI of nafamostat only (n=22); and group III, CRAI of nafamostat mesilate and imipenem (n=22). The mortality rate was 43.3% in group I, 13.6% in group II (P<0.05 vs group I), and 13.6% in group III (P<0.05 vs group I). The frequency of infected pancreatic necrosis was 50% in group I, 36.4% in group II, and nil in group III (P<0.01 vs group I and II). Combination of the protease inhibitor and the antibiotic infused intraarterially reduced the mortality rate and the frequency of infected pancreatic necrosis. However, 6 patients in the CRAI groups died of multiple organ failure (MOF), although the pancreatic necrosis was sterile. Massive retroperitoneal necrosis and bleeding was observed in these patients. CRAI is a potent mode of treatment in the early phase of necrotizing pancreatitis and most patients respond to this treatment. However, surgical intervention should be considered when the patient does not respond to CRAI and organ failure progresses, even though the pancreatic necrosis is sterile.     

The efficiency of continuous regional intra-arterial infusion in the treatment of infected pancreatic necrosis

ObjectiveOur aim was to investigate the efficiency of continuous regional intra-arterial infusion (CRAI) with antisecretory agents and antibiotics in the treatment of infected pancreatic necrosis.Materials and methodsCRAI was used as a new clinical technique to treat acute pancreatitis patients during a 4-year period at the First Affiliated Hospital, Wenzhou Medical College, China. In this retrospective study, thirty-four patients with proven infected pancreatic necrosis were included. Twelve patients were treated with CRAI, and were matched according to age, sex, APACHE II scores, Ranson scores and remote organ dysfunction, with 22 patients with IPN treated surgically. The clinical outcome following surgery and CRAI were compared.ResultsNo difference was found between the two groups when comparing age, gender, APACHE II scores, Ranson scores and remote organ dysfunction (p > 0.05). The patients treated with CRAI had a lower incidence of complications (33.3% vs 72.7%), duration of hospitalization (27.1 ± 4.7 days vs 43.0 ± 12.0 days) and cost of hospitalization (4.09 ± 1.64 thousand RMB vs 8.77 ± 3.74 thousand RMB) as compared to patients treated with surgery (p < 0.05). The survival rate was significantly higher in the CRAI group as compared to the surgical group (91.7% vs 63.6%; p < 0.01). However, the two groups had similar rates of concomitant operative treatment and incidence of remote organ dysfunction (p > 0.05).ConclusionsCRAI or CRAI in combination with abscess drainage seemingly improve the clinical outcome in patients with infected pancreatic necrosis. Further confirmative prospective randomized multicenter studies are warranted prior to broad introduction of the CRAI concept.     

Treatment outcome of selective digestive decontamination and enteral nutrition in patients with severe acute pancreatitis

Background/Purpose

Sepsis due to infected pancreatic necrosis is the most serious complication in the late phase of severe acute pancreatitis (SAP). Bacterial translocation from the gut is thought to be the main cause of pancreatic infection. The possibility has recently been reported that selective digestive decontamination (SDD) and enteral nutrition (EN) may alleviate the complications and reduce the mortality rate in patients with SAP. We analyzed the treatment outcome of SDD and EN in patients with SAP.

Methods

We divided 90 patients with SAP into three groups: SDD(?)EN(?),group A; SDD(+)EN(?), group B; and SDD(+)EN(+), group C. Clinical outcome was analyzed retrospectively. The effect of SDD was compared in groups A and B, and the effect of EN was compared in groups B and C.

Results

The background of patients was not significantly different between the groups. SDD reduced the incidence of organ dysfunction (from 70% to 59%) and the mortality rate (from 40% to 28%), but the differences were not significant. EN reduced the incidence of infected pancreatic necrosis (from 31% to 24%) and the frequency of surgery for pancreas (from 28% to 18%), and further reduced the mortality rate (from 28% for SDD to 16%), but the differences were not significant. The peripheral lymphocyte count was significantly increased in patients with EN.

Conclusions

SDD and EN did not significantly affect the treatment outcome in SAP. However, the results in this study raise the possibility that SDD and EN may decrease the complications and reduce the mortality rate in SAP. The efficacy of SDD and EN for SAP should be evaluated in a randomized controlled trial.     

Analysis of factors influencing survival in patients with severe acute pancreatitis

Objective: Acute pancreatitis (AP) ranges from a mild and self-limiting disease to a fulminant illness with significant morbidity and mortality. Severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) is defined as persistent organ failure lasting for 48?h. We aimed to determine the factors that predict survival and mortality in patients with SAP.

Methods: We reviewed a consecutive series of patients who were admitted with acute pancreatitis between January 2003 and January 2013. A total of 1213 cases involving 660 patients were evaluated, and 68 cases with SAP were selected for the study. Patients were graded based on the Computer Tomography Severity Index (CTSI), the bedside index for severity (BISAP), and Ranson’s criteria.

Results: The frequency of SAP was 5.6% (68/1213 cases). Among these patients, 17 died due to pancreatitis-induced causes. We compared several factors between the survivor (n?=?51) and non-survivor (n?=?17) groups. On multivariate analysis, there were significant differences in the incidence of diabetes mellitus (p?=?.04), Ranson score (p?=?.03), bacteremia (p?=?.05) and body mass index (BMI) (p?=?.02) between the survivor and non-survivor groups.

Conclusions: Bacteremia, high Ranson score, DM, and lower BMI were closely associated with mortality in patients with SAP. When patients with SAP show evidence of bacteremia or diabetes, aggressive treatment is necessary. For the prediction of disease mortality, the Ranson score might be a useful tool in SAP.     

Continuous regional arterial infusion and laparotomic decompression for severe acute pancreatitis with abdominal compartment syndrome

AIM:To evaluate the therapeutic effects of abdominal decompression plus continuous regional arterial infusion(CRAI) via a drug delivery system(DDS) in severe acute pancreatitis(SAP) patients with abdominal compartment syndrome(ACS).METHODS:We presented our recent experience in 8 patients with SAP.The patients developed clinical ACS,which required abdominal decompression.During the operation,a DDS was inserted into the peripancreatic artery(the catheter was inserted from the right gastroepiploic artery until...     

Nosocomial mortality and early prediction of patients with severe acute pancreatitis

Background and Aims: The aim of this study is to analyze factors (especially serum total cholesterol) that can enable early prediction of in‐hospital mortality of patients with severe acute pancreatitis (SAP). Methods: Predictive factors (especially serum total cholesterol) for in‐hospital mortality were evaluated retrospectively from the clinical data obtained from 338 SAP patients in our hospital from January 1999 to January 2008, who underwent intensive care, blood routine, blood biochemical tests and even computed tomography at the time of admission. Results: This analysis revealed that within 24 h after admission, serum total cholesterol (TC) was a mortality‐reduced factor when it is between 4.37 mmol/L and 5.23 mmol/L (P < 0.05). Evaluated TC was accompanied by decreased C‐reactive protein (CRP). CRP > 170 mg/L and albumin (ALB) < 30 g/L increased the fatal outcome (P < 0.05). Low albumin was a stronger predictor than CRP. Conclusions: Within 24 h after admission, moderate elevation of TC level seemed to increase the resistance to inflammation and hence improved the survival rate in patients with SAP, and reduced the in‐hospital mortality. Inflammatory reaction (with or without infection), hypoalbuminemia and TC were prognostic factors for in‐hospital mortality; both high levels of CRP and low ALB levels were associated with in‐hospital mortality in patients with SAP.     

Comparison of Existing Clinical Scoring Systems in Predicting Severity and Prognoses of Hyperlipidemic Acute Pancreatitis in Chinese Patients: A Retrospective Study

It is important to identify the severity of acute pancreatitis (AP) in the early course of the disease. Clinical scoring systems may be helpful to predict the prognosis of patients with early AP; however, few analysts have forecast the accuracy of scoring systems for the prognosis in hyperlipidemic acute pancreatitis (HLAP). The purpose of this study was to summarize the clinical characteristics of HLAP and compare the accuracy of conventional scoring systems in predicting the prognosis of HLAP.This study retrospectively analyzed all consecutively diagnosed AP patients between September 2008 and March 2014. We compared the clinical characteristics between HLAP and nonhyperlipidemic acute pancreatitis. The bedside index for severity of acute pancreatitis (BISAP), Ranson, computed tomography severity index (CTSI), and systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) scores were applied within 48 hours following admission.Of 909 AP patients, 129 (14.2%) had HLAP, 20 were classified as severe acute pancreatitis (SAP), 8 had pseudocysts, 9 had pancreatic necrosis, 30 had pleural effusions, 33 had SIRS, 14 had persistent organ failure, and there was 1 death. Among the HLAP patients, the area under curves for BISAP, Ranson, SIRS, and CTSI in predicting SAP were 0.905, 0.938, 0.812, and 0.834, 0.874, 0.726, 0.668, and 0.848 for local complications, and 0.904, 0.917, 0.758, and 0.849 for organ failure, respectively.HLAP patients were characterized by younger age at onset, higher recurrence rate, and being more prone to pancreatic necrosis, organ failure, and SAP. BISAP, Ranson, SIRS, and CTSI all have accuracy in predicting the prognosis of HLAP patients, but each has different strengths and weaknesses.     

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 e~ective 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.     

Clinical utility of the Revised Atlanta Classification of acute pancreatitis in a prospective cohort: Have all loose ends been tied?

Background and aimRevision of the Atlanta classification for acute pancreatitis (AP) was long awaited. The Revised Atlanta Classification has been recently proposed. In this study, we aim to prospectively evaluate and validate the clinical utility of the new definitions.Patient and methods163 consecutive patients with AP were followed till death/6 mths after discharge. AP was categorized as mild (MAP) (no local complication[LC] and organ failure[OF]), moderate (MSAP)(transient OF and/or local/systemic complication but no persistent OF) and severe (SAP) AP (persistent OF). LC included acute peripancreatic fluid collections, pseudocyst, acute necrotic collection, walled-off necrosis, gastric outlet dysfunction, splenic/portal vein thrombosis, and colonic necrosis. Baseline characteristics (age/gender/hematocrit/BUN/SIRS/BISAP) and outcomes (total hospital stay/need for ICU care/ICU days/primary infected (peri)pancreatic necrosis[IN]/in-hospital death) were compared.Results43 (26.4%) patients had ANP, 87 (53.4%) patients had MAP, 58 (35.6%) MSAP and 18 (11.04%) SAP. Among the baseline characteristics, BISAP score was significantly higher in MSAP compared to MAP [1.6 (1.5–2.01) vs 1.2 (1.9–2.4); p = 0.002]; and BUN was significantly higher in SAP compared to MSAP[64.9 (50.7–79.1) vs 24.9 (20.7–29.1); p < 0.0001]. All outcomes except mortality were significantly higher in MSAP compared to MAP. Need for ICU care (83.3%vs43.1%; p = 0.01), total ICU days[7.9 (4.8–10.9) vs 3.5 (2.7–5.1); p = 0.04] and mortality (38.9%vs1.7%; p = 0.0002) was significantly more in SAP compared to MSAP. 8/18 (44.4%) patients had POF within seven days of disease onset (early OF). This was associated with 37.5% of total in-hospital mortality. Patients with MSAP who had primary IN (n = 10) had similar outcomes as SAP.ConclusionsThis study prospectively validates the clinical utility of the Revised Atlanta definitions of AP. However, MSAP patients with primary infected necrosis may behave as SAP. Furthermore, patients with early severe acute pancreatitis (early OF) could represent a subgroup that needs to be dealt with separately in classification systems.