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Ranson's criteria for acute pancreatitis mortality

Mortality risk in acute (non-gallstone) pancreatitis from admission and 48-hour data.

Ranson's criteria for acute pancreatitis mortality
Age >55 years
WBC >16,000/mm3
Glucose >200 mg/dL (>11.1 mmol/L)
AST >250 IU/L
LDH >350 IU/L
Haematocrit fall >10 % (at 48 h)
BUN rise >5 mg/dL (at 48 h)
Calcium <8 mg/dL (at 48 h)
PaO2 <60 mmHg (at 48 h)
Base deficit >4 mEq/L (at 48 h)
Fluid sequestration >6 L (at 48 h)
Result0 points

Estimated mortality 0-3 %.

Estimated mortality
0-3 %

When to use

  • Estimating mortality in acute pancreatitis using admission plus 48-hour values.

Formula

One point each for 5 admission and 6 48-hour criteria (range 0-11). Mortality: 0-2 = 0-3%, 3-4 = ~15%, 5-6 = ~40%, >=7 = ~100%.

Pearls and pitfalls

  • Full score requires 48 hours, limiting early use; gallstone-specific thresholds differ slightly.

References

  1. Ranson JH, et al. Surg Gynecol Obstet. 1974;139(1):69-81.