Management Algorithm for Severe Acute Pancreatitis.
A commonly used classification system (the Atlanta classification) divides Acute Pancreatitis into two broad categories [ 5 ]: Mild (edematous and interstitial) acute pancreatitis Severe (usually synonymous with necrotizing) acute pancreatitis The criteria for severe AP included any of the following: A Ranson's score of 3 or more ( table 1 ) ( calculator 1 ) An APACHE II score of 8 or more within the first 48 hours ( calculator 2 ) Organ failure (respiratory, circulatory, renal, and/or gastrointestinal bleeding) Local complications (pancreatic necrosis, abscess, or pseudocyst). SUMMARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS (from UpToDate) Acute pancreatitis can be divided into two broad categories: Edematous or mild acute pancreatitis and necrotizing or severe acute pancreatitis. (See 'Introduction' above.) Treatment varies depending on the severity of the condition. (See "Predicting the severity of acute pancreatitis" .) Mild pancreatitis ...