Total serum calcium and corrected calcium as severity predictors in acute pancreatitis: a prospective study in a tertiary hospital in South India

Abstract

Background: Acute pancreatitis still remains a disease of growing burden to mankind; it is an unpredictable, potentially lethal disease with a high mortality. The incidence of acute Pancreatitis appears to be increasing. Aim of the study was to evaluate total serum calcium and corrected calcium as prognostic severity factors in acute pancreatitis.Methods: This prospective study was conducted in a tertiary hospital from July2015 to June 2016. All the patients who were diagnosed to have acute pancreatitis by clinical examination, laboratory, radiological and biochemical investigations were considered as cases. Serum calcium and albumin corrected calcium measured within 24 hours of admission. Patients followed up for a maximum period of 4 weeks and outcome studied, in terms of whether patient had local or systemic complication, mortality. Significance of serum calcium and albumin corrected calcium in predicting outcome of acute pancreatitis is assessed and compared with BISAP score.Results: Acute pancreatitis most commonly occurs in the age group of 30-50. 80% of acute pancreatitis occurs in male and 20% in female. Alcoholism accounts for 58% cases of acute pancreatitis and gall stone account for 28% of acute pancreatitis.Conclusions: Hypocalcaemia and low ACC can predict severity of acute pancreatitis, as with BISAP score, but it is not superior to BISAP score.