EVALUATION OF PROGNOSTIC SIGNIFICANCE OF HYPOCALCAEMIA AND HYPOALBUMINEMIAIN PATIENTS WITH ACUTE PANCREATITIS: A PROSPECTIVE OBSERVATIONAL STUDY

Background: Acute pancreatitis is the leading cause of gastrointestinal-related hospitalizations worldwide and its frequency is continuing to rise. While diagnosis of acute presentation is relatively simple, the major challenge is the progression of the disease course and outcome. Hypocalcemia and hypoalbuminemia are frequently associated with severe pancreatitis. Therefore, in our study, we aimed to evaluate the prognostic significance of hypocalcemia and hypoalbuminemia in acute pancreatitis.

Aims: To assess the prognostic significance of hypocalcemia and hypoalbuminemia associated with acute pancreatitis in predicting the severity of the disease

Methodology: A prospective observational study was conducted with a total of 25 patients diagnosed with acute pancreatitis at J.J.M. Medical college, Davangere, Karnataka for a period of 6 months from April to September 2024. The ethical committee approval was obtained prior to conduct of study and written consent was taken from all the participants.

Results: The mean values of serum calcium, serum albumin and albumin corrected calcium was found to be 7.80 mg/dl, 3.52 g/dl, and 7.78 mg/dl respectively. The mean Ransons score was found to be 1.84. Serum calcium showed sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV values of 85%,72%,88%, and 100% respectively for predicting the severity of acute pancreatitis. Albumin corrected calcium showed sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV of 86%,83%,93% and 100% respectively. Ransons score also showed sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV values of 73%,78%,85% and 100% respectively for severity of acute pancreatitis.

Conclusion: Serum calcium and serum albumin obtained within the first 24 hours of admission were found to be useful predictors of severity of acute pancreatitis. They are easily available and also comparable to the conventional prognostic scales in predicting the severity of acute pancreatitis. Therefore, they can be used as early predictors of severity of acute pancreatitis thus enabling the initiation of early intensive care and treatment.