E and P Selectins as Potential Markers in the Assessment of the Severity of Acute Pancreatitis

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is commonly associated with the release of adhesion molecules such as E and P selectins. We designed the present study to evaluate the role of selectins as potential markers that could reflect the severity of the disease.

One hundred fifty patients with AP constituted the patient group, whereas 70 healthy volunteers established the control group. In both groups, blood samples were taken for measurements of E selectin, P selectin, caspase-cleaved cytokeratin 18, and total soluble cytokeratin 18 levels on admission and days 1, 2, 4, and 6.

Values of E and P selectins on admission were both elevated compared with control subjects (P < 0.01). The nonsurvivors had higher values of E selectin (P < 0.04) and P selectin (P < 0.03) on admission. Levels of E and P selectin showed positive correlation with the length of stay (P < 0.05). E selectin on admission yielded a sensitivity of 75% and 78% specificity, whereas P selectin had a sensitivity of 67% and 91% specificity.

Selectin values in the early course of AP may play a role as indicators of overall prognosis, which may help physicians in better understanding the pathophysiology of a benign disease that may have serious and detrimental complications.