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 mm³

 

Learning Bite

More so than any other cause of abdominal pain, pancreatitis can cause marked systemic effects.

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