Correlation between procalcitonin and intra-abdominal pressure and their role in prediction of the severity of acute pancreatitis

Background/aims: Early assessment of disease severity and vigilant patient monitoring are key factors for adequate treatment of acute pancreatitis (AP). The aim of this study was to determine the correlation of procalcitonin (PCT) serum concentrations and intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) as prognostic markers in early stages of AP. Methods: This prospective observational study included 51 patients, of which 29 had severe AP (SAP). Patients were evaluated with the Acute Physiology And Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE II) score, Creactive protein (CRP) and PCT serum concentrations and IAP at 24 h from admission. PCT was measured three times in the 1st week of disease and three times afterward, while IAP was measured daily. PCT and IAP values correlated with each other, and also compared with APACHE II score and CRP values. Results: PCT, IAP, CRP values and APACHE II score at 24 h after hospital admission were significantly elevated in patients with SAP. There was significant correlation between PCT and IAP values measured at 24 h of admission, and between maximal PCT and IAP values. Sensitivity/specificity for predicting AP severity at 24 h after admission was 89%/69% for APACHE II score, 75%/86% for CRP, 86%/63% for PCT and 75%/77% for IAP. Conclusions: Increased IAP was accompanied by increased PCT serum concentration in patients with AP. PCT and IAP can both be used as early markers of AP severity.