Published online May 15, 2003. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v9.i5.1102
Revised: December 3, 2002
Accepted: December 24, 2002
Published online: May 15, 2003
AIM: To analyze factors predisposing to the infections associated with severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) and to work out ways for its prevention.
METHODS: Total 208 cases of SAP treated in this hospital from Jan. 1980 to Dec. 2001 were retrospectively analyzed.
RESULTS: Statistical difference in the incidence of the aforementioned infections was found between the following pairs: between the groups of bloody or non-bloody ascites, paralytic ileus lasting shorter or longer than 5 days, Ranson scores lower or higher than 5, hematocrit lower or higher than 45%, CT Balthazar scores lower or higher than 7 and between 1980.1-1992.6 or 1992.7-2001.12 admissions (χ2 > 3.84, P < 0.05), while no statistical difference was established between the groups of biliogenic and non-biliogenic pancreatitis, serum amylase < 200 U/L and ≥ 200 U/L, serum calcium < 2 mmol/L and ≥ 2 mmol/L or groups of total parenteral nutrition shorter or longer than 7 days (χ2 < 3.84, P > 0.05).
CONCLUSION: Occurrence of infection in patients with SAP is closely related with bloody ascites, paralytic ileus ≥ 5 days, Ranson scores ≥ 5, hematocrit ≥ 45% and CT Balthazar Scores ≥ 7, but not with pathogens, serum calcium and total parenteral nutrition (TPN). Comprehensive prevention of pancreatic infection and practice of individualized therapy contribute to reducing the incidence of infection.