Acute Pancreatitis
- Cardinal symptom is usually steady, sudden-onset abdominal pain radiating to the back.
- Associated with nausea and vomiting. A history of cholelithiasis or alcohol intake is often present.
- Typical signs include epigastric tenderness, fever, and tachycardia.
- Elevated amylase and/or lipase levels are essential for diagnosis.
- Initial treatment includes resuscitation with intravenous fluids and correction of electrolyte abnormalities, analgesia, and tight glucose control.
- The main goal is to prevent complications, which may include coagulopathy, ARDS, and renal failure.
