Question
Which of the following are complications of acute pancreatitis?
- Hypoxia
- Hypercalcemia
- Hyperglycemia
- Reduced serum albumin
| A. | 1, 2, and 3 |
| B. |
1, 3, and 4 |
| C. |
2 and 3 only |
| D. |
3 and 4 only |
Show Answer
|
Correct Answer � B Explanation |
 |
Complications of Acute Pancreatitis
Local Complications:
- Pancreatic necrosis
- Pseudocysts
- Infected necrosis
- Abscess formation
Systemic Complications:
- Respiratory:
- Hypoxia, ARDS, pleural effusion
- Metabolic:
- Hypocalcemia, hyperglycemia, lactic acidosis
- Hematological:
- Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC)
- Renal:
- Acute kidney injury (AKI)
- Nutritional:
- Hypoalbuminemia, catabolic state
Analysis of the complications mentioned in question:
1. Hypoxia:
- True: Hypoxia is a well-recognized complication of acute pancreatitis due to:
- Systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS), leading to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).
- Pleural effusion or pulmonary edema that may occur as part of the systemic inflammatory process.
2. Hypercalcemia:
- False: Acute pancreatitis often leads to hypocalcemia, not hypercalcemia.
- Hypocalcemia occurs due to the deposition of calcium in areas of fat necrosis, a hallmark of severe acute pancreatitis.
- Hypercalcemia is more likely to be a cause of acute pancreatitis (e.g., in hyperparathyroidism), not a complication.
3. Hyperglycemia:
- True: Hyperglycemia is a common complication caused by:
- Damage to pancreatic islet cells, leading to reduced insulin secretion.
- Elevated stress hormones (e.g., glucagon, catecholamines, cortisol) that oppose insulin action.
4. Reduced Serum Albumin:
- True: Hypoalbuminemia is often observed in acute pancreatitis due to:
- Loss of protein into the extravascular space as part of increased vascular permeability during inflammation.
- Poor nutritional status or systemic catabolism in severe cases.
