Basic Science And Pathophysiology – Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome
Systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) predisposes to multiple organ dysfunction and/or pancreatic necrosis.
This often manifests as:
- Lung – hypoxia, ARDS or pleural effusions (normally left sided)
- Kidney – acute renal failure (ARF) and acute tubular necrosis (ATN)
- Blood – coagulopathy, DIC, hypocalcaemia, hyperglycaemia
- General – hypovolaemia and shock
SIRS is defined by two or more of the following:
| Pulse | >90 bpm |
| Respiratory rate | 20 min or PCO? <32 mmHg |
| Rectal temperature | <36 C >38 C |
| White cell count (WCC) | <4000 or >12 000 mm |
Learning Bite
More so than any other cause of abdominal pain, pancreatitis can cause marked systemic effects.