The role of biomarkers in prediction of the severity and prognosis of acute pancreatitis: A retrospective assessment

Aim: Determining the severity of acute pancreatitis (AP) is very important in terms of early recognition of sepsis, local/systemic complications and potential risk of death. In our study, we aimed to examine the effectiveness of biomarkers that we can use to reduce morbidity and mortality in AP patients. Material and Methods: Data of 482 AP patients followed up at Mehmet Akif Inan Training and Research Hospital between January 2020 and July 2022 were analyzed. Age, gender, comorbidities, clinical history, laboratory/imaging findings and hospital stay were evaluated. Our study was carried out with the permission of the ethics committee numbered HRU/21.13.07 obtained from Harran University. Results: Among AP patients, 471 (98.1%) were diagnosed with biliary pancreatitis, 11 (2.2%) with hyperlipidemia and non-biliary pancreatitis due to chronic alcoholism. According to the Revised Atlanta Classification of Pancreatitis, 8 (18.0%) were diagnosed with moderate/severe and 395 (81.9%) with mild AP. When the data of these two groups were compared, the mean age of the patients, the length of hospital stay, the number of patients treated in the intensive care unit, the rate of comorbid hypertension, glucose values, percentages of immature granulocytes (% IG), procalcitonin (PC), CRP and leukocyte levels were significantly higher in the moderate/severe AP patient group. Discussion: AP predicts prognosis and severity; %IG ratio, leukocytes, CRP and PC values are important and effective biomarkers. Comorbidities and age are effective factors in the development of moderate/severe AP. By looking at these parameters, we can reduce mortality and morbidity by acting faster with the progress of AP.