Which patients with pancreatitis should be admitted to critical care?

• 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
  • Body mass index over 30 kg/m2
  • Hypotension not responsive to fluid resuscitation  ○ >30% necrosis of the pancreas  ○ Pleural effusions
  • Three or more of Ranson’s criteria
  • CRP > 150 mg/L at 48 hours

 (Adapted from World Association Guidelines)