A clinical study correlating the serum levels of lactate dehydrogenase, C-reactive protein, and lipase with the severity and related complications of acute pancreatitis

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background: In addition to Ranson’s criteria, computed tomography severity index (CTSI), and Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score, the presence of local or systemic complications can predict severe acute pancreatitis (AP). However, proper evaluation by these one-time scores is available after 48 h following admission. Aims and Objectives: This study aims to correlate AP severity and related consequences with serum levels of lipase, C-reactive protein (CRP), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). Methods: A prospective analysis was performed on 60 patients with AP who were admitted to the surgical unit. Data on patients’ clinical and radiological evaluations, serum levels of CRP, LDH, and lipase, as well as hematological tests, were gathered and examined. Results: The most common cause of AP, gallstone pancreatitis, affected adults between the ages of 30 and 55, with a female predominance (56.67%). According to the Chi-square test, there was a significant correlation between the Ranson’s score and the CTSI. Similar to this, a very high test of significance for serum CRP levels (>150 mg/l) was seen with both Ranson’s score and the CTSI. Only 15% of patients had severe AP, whereas 85% of cases had mild AP. The majority of the patients (93.4%) recovered with supportive medical care, four (6.7%) needed surgery (necrosectomy/drainage), and one (1.6%) died. Conclusion: The serum CRP level is a good predictor of severe AP. It can be used as an early severity indicator along with the CTSI.