[Evaluation of severity in acute pancreatitis]

Recently we reviewed 240 patients with acute pancreatitis admitted to our service and the affiliated hospitals for five years. Clinical symptoms and laboratory data of these cases were analyzed depending on their prognosis. The grades were divided into 3 groups by the mortality rates: Grade I with the mortality rate of less than 10%, Grade II 10-20%, and Grade III with greater than 20%. Clinical symptoms in Grade III were shock and neurological or dermatological symptoms. On the other hand, laboratory findings in Grade III were as follows; blood sugar was more than 200 mg/dl, LDH greater than or equal to 600 IU%, BUN greater than or equal to 40 mg/dl, serum Ca less than or equal to 7.5mg/dl, T.Bil. greater than or equal to 5.0 mg/dl, blood pressure less than or equal to 90 mmHg, and PaO2 less than or equal to 65 mmHg (room air). The degree of severity of acute pancreatitis was divided into 3 types, as follows: Mild; all belong to Grade I, or less than 2 positives of Grade II. Moderate; 3 to 4 positives of Grade II, or one positive of Grade III. Severe; 5 positives or more of Grade II, or 2 positives or more of Grade III. Our criteria with both clinical and laboratory findings are very useful for the evaluation of the severity and choice of treatment in acute pancreatitis.