Ascitic fluid amylase-to-serum amylase ratio to predict pancreatic duct leaks causing ascites.

Objectives: Pancreatic duct leaks can cause ascites, and fluid amylase can be used as a marker to suggest pancreatic duct leak; however, there is no reference parameter or cutoff value for diagnosis. We assessed whether a novel ratio of ascitic fluid to serum amylase can reliably predict pancreatic leaks and need for endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP).

Materials And Methods: Patients who had fluid amylase from ascitic fluid and serum amylase within one week of confirmed pancreatic leaks via ERCP were included along with appropriate medical and surgical controls.