Analysis of correlation between liver function and severity of acute pancreatitis

Objective To explore the clinical value of liver function indicators in predicting the severity of disease in patients with acute pancreatitis (AP), and to provide a reference for clinical treatment. Methods A retrospective study was conducted and 142 patients with acute pancreatitis were included. The disease severity was evaluated according to the RANSON score and the Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation Ⅱ (APACHE Ⅱ) score, and severe pancreatitis was used as the outcome index. Univariate logistic regression analysis and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis were performed on single indicators that were statistically significant between mild and severe patients to determine the distinguishing value for disease severity. Results The RANSON score was graded: 43 cases of severe patients (RANSON≥3) and 99 cases of mild patients (RANSON<3); the difference in albumin (ALB) levels between the two groups was statistically significant (P<0.05). Univariate logistic regression analysis and ROC curve analysis were performed on ALB (OR=0.88, P<0.001). The area under the ROC curve and its 95% CI were 0.73 (0.63, 0.83). APACHE Ⅱ score classification: 94 cases of severe patients (APACHE Ⅱ score≥8) and 48 cases of mild patients (APACHE Ⅱ score<8). The difference in alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels in the two groups were statistically significant (P<0.05). Univariate factor logistic regression analysis and ROC curve analysis were performed on ALT (OR=1.001, P=0.314). The area under the ROC curve and its 95% CI were 0.61 (0.50, 0.71). Conclusions ALB and ALT are valuable biomarkers for predicting the severity of AP. Key words: Liver function tests; Acute pancreatitis; Severity of illness