• UK guidelines state that all patients with acute severe pancreatitis should be managed on the high dependency unit (HDU):
    • Can be difficult in practice – ensure all referred to the critical care outreach team for regular review and escalation of care if deterioration occurs
  • Particular features which suggest critical care admission may be beneficial include:
    • Age 70 years or older (1)
    • Body mass index over 30 kg/m2 (1)
    • Hypotension not responsive to fluid resuscitation (1)
    • >30% necrosis of the pancreas (1)
    • Pleural effusions (1)
    • Three or more of Ranson’s criteria (1)
    • CRP > 150 mg/L at 48 hours(1)

 (Adapted from World Association Guidelines)