The use of the peripheral leukocyte count and chest X-rays in early assessment of the severity of acute pancreatitis in comparison with the Ranson score system.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the efficacy of the peripheral leukocyte count and chest X-rays as an index which could be used in the early assessment of the severity of acute pancreatitis in an Emergency Room. METHODS: We prospectively evaluated the peripheral leukocyte count and the findings of chest X-rays in 181 consecutive patients (102 males, 79 females, mean age 61 years, range 16-97) who were admitted to our Emergency Department with acute pancreatitis. One hundred twenty six patients had mild pancreatitis and 55 had severe pancreatitis. The peripheral leukocyte count and the chest X-rays were evaluated in all patients upon admission. The Ranson criteria were also assessed. RESULTS: Using a cut off value of 13,000/mm3, 45% of the patients with severe pancreatitis and 17% of those with mild acute pancreatitis had a peripheral leukocyte count greater than 13,000/mm3. Pleural or pulmonary alterations observed on chest X-ray were found in 66% of patients with severe pancreatitis and in 2% of those with mild acute pancreatitis. A peripheral leukocyte count greater than 13,000/mm3 and/or pleural or pulmonary alterations present on chest X-ray were found in 78% of the patients with severe pancreatitis and in 19% of those with mild pancreatitis. The Ranson criteria greater than or equal to three were found in 45% of the patients with severe acute pancreatitis and in 16% of those with the mild form of the disease. The positive predictive value was 92% for the presence of alterations on the chest X-rays, 64% for the alteration of at least one of the abnormal findings on the chest X-ray and a peripheral leukocyte count greater than 13,000/mm3, 56% for a peripheral leukocyte count greater than 13,000/mm3, and 54% for the presence of Ranson criteria greater than or equal to three. The negative predictive values were similar. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of pleural or pulmonary alterations on chest X-rays may be useful in the Emergency Room for the early identification of patients with severe acute pancreatitis.