The role of biomarkers in the early diagnosis of acute kidney injury associated with acute pancreatitis: Evidence from 582 cases.

BACKGROUND: One of the systemic complications of acute pancreatitis (AP) is acute kidney injury (AKI). AKI development in patients with AP increases mortality, morbidity, and the cost of treatment. Therefore, early diagnosis and prevention of AKI is important. The purpose of our study was to present biomarkers and case management of AKI developing in patients with AP.

METHODS: The participants of this retrospective study consisted of 582 patients who were followed up with the diagnosis of AP. Atlanta classification was used for the diagnosis and the identification of severity of AP. The laboratory values of patients at the time of first application to the emergency room were recorded. Blood tests were checked 48 h/l. Their blood tests were monitored daily until the day of discharge.

RESULTS: Of the 582 patients who were admitted with the AP diagnosis, 344 were female. AKI was detected in 147 patients (25.2%) of the patients admitted with AP diagnosis. The mean age of patients developing AKI was higher than those who did not develop AKI. The albumin and calcium levels in patients developing AKI were significantly lower than the group without AKI. The C-reactive protein (CRP)/albumin and neutrophil/lymphocyte ratios were statistically significantly higher in the group with AKI than the group without AKI. The increase values in AST and ALT levels between the group with AKI and the group without AKI were not statistically significant. The mean leukocyte, CRP, procalcitonin levels, and immature granulocyte percentage (IG%) ratio were higher in patients with AKI in comparison to the patient group without AKI. The decrease in the lymphocyte, hematocrit, and platelet levels was higher in the patient group with AKI compared to the patient group without AKI. Urea and creatinine levels of the group with AKI at the time of admission were higher than the group without AKI. The clinical picture in 13 of the patients we followed up with AP diagnosis was mortal.

CONCLUSION: The values of hematocrit, platelet, leukocyte, lymphocyte, albumin, CRP, CRP/albumin ratio, neutrophil/lymphocyte ration, IG%, procalcitonin, urea, and creatinine that were examined at the time of hospital admission can be useful biomarkers in predicting the development of AKI in patients with AP. In addition, accompanying diseases and age are among the factors affecting AKI development.