THE ROLE OF RISK FACTORS AND BIOMARKERS IN CORRELATION WITH SEVERITY IN ACUTE PANCREATITIS

Acute pancreatitis is a sudden inflammatory condition of the pancreas with a wide clinical spectrum ranging from mild self-limiting illness to severe disease associated with organ failure and high mortality. Early prediction of severity is crucial for timely management and prevention of complications. This prospective observational study was conducted to evaluate the correlation between demographic characteristics, etiological risk factors, comorbidities, biochemical biomarkers, and disease severity in patients diagnosed with acute pancreatitis. A total of 100 patients admitted to a tertiary care teaching hospital were included in the study over a period of six months. Data regarding age, gender, etiological factors, comorbid conditions, laboratory parameters, and radiological findings were collected. Disease severity was assessed using the Revised Atlanta Classification, BISAP score, Ranson criteria, and Modified CT Severity Index. The study population predominantly consisted of males (68%), with the majority of cases observed in the 31–50 year age group. Gallstones were identified as the most common etiological factor followed by alcohol consumption. Mild acute pancreatitis was observed in 68% of patients, while 21% had moderately severe disease and 11% had severe acute pancreatitis. Statistically significant associations were found between disease severity and age, gender, comorbidities, and gallstone etiology. The study concludes that integrating clinical risk factors with biomarkers and scoring systems aids in early severity assessment and improves clinical decision-making in acute pancreatitis.