Evaluation of Platelet Count as a Predictor of Severe Pancreatitis

Abstract

Introduction: Acute pancreatitis is a life threatening inflammatory disease with high morbidity and mortality. Multiple markers are used to predict severity of pancreatitis. An effective marker would help greatly in early diagnosis of disease severity and thus help in timely treatment.The present study attempted to evaluate blood platelet levels as a marker for assessing the severity of acute pancreatitis.Material and methods:37 patients with acute pancreatitis admitted in Department of Surgery IGMC Shimla were included in the study after taking informed consent. Patients were evaluated and diagnosed with acute pancreatits using blood investigation (serum amylase) as well as imaging modalilities(ultrasound and contrast enhanced CT scan). Patients blood platelets level were compared on day 1 and day 5 of admission in mild and severe pancreatitis patients.Results were then analysed statistically. Results:On statistical analysis a platelet count of ≤ 150 m/ mm3 was found to be statistically significant on both day 1 (p=0.008)) and day 5 (p=0.001) of admission between patients with mild and severe pancreatitis. Conclusion:Platelets level can function as a cost effective good prognostic marker for assessing severity of pancreatitis.