Harnessing early enzymatic biomarkers and cytokines for risk prediction in post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis

This editorial critically analyses the recent article by Jung <i>et al</i>, which investigates the utility of 4-hour serum amylase and lipase as early blood markers for post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) acute pancreatitis prediction. Although these enzymes are valuable for the early diagnosis of post-ERCP pancreatitis, they lack specificity for disease etiology and provide limited insight into the molecular mechanisms underlying disease progression. Several cytokines, notably interleukin (IL)-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and IL-8, are increased in post-ERCP pancreatitis and may serve as potential predictors for disease severity. The incorporation of these biomarkers in early enzymatic biomarkers and established prognostic scoring systems could further enhance their accuracy and allow for earlier, more effective management of patients with post-ERCP pancreatitis.