Clinical significance of C-reactive protein for assessment and outcomes of severe acute pancreatitis

ObjectiveTo study the change in serum CRP level in patients with severe acute pancreatitis (SAP), and to explore its clinical significance in predicting outcomes and assessing the severity of SAP. MethodsA retrospective analysis was performed on 52 SAP patients with complete case data and admitted to General Hospital of Shenyang Military Area Command from September 2013 to September 2014. Blood drawing was performed and serum CRP concentration was determined on admission and at 24, 48, 72, 96, 120, and 144 hours after admission. The pattern of its dynamic change was observed. ResultsSerum CRP level in SAP patients significantly increased, and had a positive correlation with clinical outcomes. Forty-two cases (80.77%) gradually recovered with aggressive treatment and the serum CRP levels were also slowly reduced (P＜0.05). The serum CRP levels in four death cases (7.7%) had no significant decrease and was maintained at a high level (P＜0.05). Six patients (11.53%) had aggravated conditions and recovered after aggressive treatment; meanwhile, the serum CRP levels first increased and then decreased (P＜0.05). ConclusionFor SAP patients, serum CRP level fluctuates as their conditions change and can be considered as an important reference index for evaluating the severity and judging the outcomes of SAP.