Ranson criteria

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Sadaf Sharfaei M.D.[2]

Overview

Ranson criteria may be used to predict the severity of acute pancreatitis. If the score >=3, severe pancreatitis is likely to be present.

Ranson Risk Score Calculator

Ranson criteria for predicting the severity of acute pancreatitis

Ranson criteria was introduced in 1974. It is a clinical prediction rule for predicting the severity of acute pancreatitis. The criteria for point assignment is that a certain breakpoint be met at anytime during that 48 hour period, so that in some situations it can be calculated shortly after admission. It is applicable to both biliary and alcoholic pancreatitis.

Ranson Criteria for the Severity of Acute Pancreatitis
Variable	Score
On admission	Age > 55 years old	1
	WBC > 16,000/mcL	1
	Blood glucose > 200 mg/dL (11 mmol/L)	1
	Serum AST > 250 IU/L	1
	Serum LDH > 350 IU/L	1
After 48 Hours	Hematocrit fall > 10%	1
	BUN rise by ≥ 5 mg/dL (≥ 1.8 mmol/L) after IV fluid hydration	1
	Serum Calcium <8.0 mg/dL (< 2.0 mmol/L)	1
	Hypoxemia (PO2 < 60 mmHg)	1
	Base deficit > 4 meq/L	1
	Estimated fluid sequestration > 6L	1
Ranson Score:
Interpretation:

Interpretation of Ranson criteria for predicting the severity of acute pancreatitis

• Score 0 to 2 : Severe pancreatitis is unlikely; 2% mortality
• Score 3 to 4 : Severe pancreatitis is likely; 15% mortality
• Score 5 to 6 : Severe pancreatitis is likely; 40% mortality
• Score 7 to 8 : Severe pancreatitis is likely; 100% mortality