Significance of red blood cell distribution width and C-reactive protein/albumin levels in predicting prognosis of acute pancreatitis.

Background: Acute pancreatitis (AP) is one of the major pathologies among gastrointestinal system diseases. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between the red cell distribution width (RDW) value and the C-reactive protein (CRP)/ albumin ratio in patients with AP.

Methods: In this retrospective study, AP cases were enrolled and divided into 2 groups according to the Ranson criteria as moderate or severe pancreatitis. The RDW and CRP/albumin values, length of hospitalization and stay in the intensive care unit (ICU), and the complications experienced were compared between these 2 groups.

Results: A total of 264 patients were included in the study. Moderate pancreatitis was detected in 204 patients (77.2%) while severe pancreatitis was seen in 60 patients (22.8%) (p=0.081). There was no statistically significant difference in the RDW value between the groups (p=0.193). The CRP/albumin values were significantly higher in the severe pancreatitis group compared with the moderate group (p<0.001). The severe AP group also had a longer period of hospital care, both overall and in the ICU (p=0.001, p=0.047).

Conclusion: RDW was not a specific marker for predicting prognosis in AP, but the CRP/albumin ratio is an easy-to-apply, inexpensive, and reliable marker.