Clinical Presentations and Outcomes in Patients With Acute Pancreatitis at Al-Rajhi University Hospital-Prospective Study

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is an acute inflammatory disease of the pancreas characterized by variable involvement of regional tissues and distant organ systems. The disease may range from mild interstitial edema to severe pancreatic necrosis associated with multiple organ failure and high mortality rates [1,2]. Acute pancreatitis is considered one of the leading gastrointestinal causes of hospital admission worldwide and its incidence has progressively increased over recent decades [3]. The pathogenesis of acute pancreatitis is mainly related to premature activation of pancreatic digestive enzymes within pancreatic acinar cells, resulting in autodigestion of pancreatic tissue and activation of inflammatory pathways [1]. This inflammatory response may progress to systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS), acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), renal failure, shock, and multiorgan dysfunction syndrome (MODS) in severe cases[ 2,4]. Although approximately 80% of patients experience mild self-limited disease with favorable outcomes, nearly 20% develop severe acute pancreatitis associated with pancreatic necrosis, infected collections, persistent organ failure, and systemic complications [3,8]. The overall mortality rate of acute pancreatitis ranges from 3% to 10%, while mortality in severe acute pancreatitis may reach 20-30%, particularly in patients with infected pancreatic necrosis and persistent organ failure4 and [8].Early identification of severe disease and accurate assessment of prognosis are therefore essential to improve patient outcomes and reduce morbidity and mortality [7,8]. In Upper Egypt, particularly at Al-Rajhi University Hospital, prospective data regarding the clinical presentation, etiological factors, disease severity, complications, and outcomes of patients admitted with acute pancreatitis remain limited. In addition, the association between demographic characteristics, comorbidities, severity scores, and short-term clinical outcomes has not been adequately evaluated in the local population.

Accordingly, this prospective study aims to describe the clinical characteristics of hospitalized patients with acute pancreatitis, identify factors associated with adverse outcomes, and evaluate the prognostic value of the Ranson and APACHE II scoring systems. The findings may contribute to improved early risk stratification, support clinical decision-making, optimize resource utilization, and ultimately enhance patient care at Al-Rajhi University Hospital.