This week we dive into the diagnosis and management of pancreatitis in the ED
Episode 121.0 – Pancreatitis
Show Notes
Ranson’s Criteria for Pancreatitis-Associated Mortality (Rosen’s)
Take Home Points
- Pancreatitis is diagnosed by a combination of clinical features (epigastric pain with radiation to back, nausea/vomiting etc) and diagnostic tests (lipsae 3x normal, CT scan)
- A RUQ US should be performed looking for gallstones as this finding significantly alters management
- The focus of management is on supportive care. IV fluids, while central to therapy, should be given judiciously and titrated to end organ perfusion
- Patients will mild pancreatitis who are tolerating oral intake and can reliably follow up, can be discharged home
Read More
Hemphill RR, Santen SA: Disorders of the Pancreas; in Marx JA, Hockberger RS, Walls RM, et al (eds): Rosen’s Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice, ed 8. St. Louis, Mosby, Inc., 2010, (Ch) 91: p 1205-1226
PulmCrit: The Myth of Large-Volume Resuscitation in Acute Pancreatitis
PulmCrit: Hypertriglyceridemic Pancreatitis: Can We Defuse the Bomb?
