Corticosteroids to Reduce Inflammation in Severe Pancreatitis: A Randomized, Controlled Study
This research is being done to determine if the administration of a short course of intravenous hydrocortisone, an anti-inflammatory medication, to patients with severe acute pancreatitis will improve their clinical outcomes and decrease the length of hospitalization. We think that because inflammation in the body drives the progression of pancreatitis, giving a short course of intravenous hydrocortisone may mitigate disease progression and improve clinical outcomes in patients with severe acute pancreatitis.
• Adult (≥18 years)
• Acute pancreatitis as defined by a clinical diagnosis of pancreatitis and a lipase level ≥3x the upper limit of normal.
• Admission or planned admission to an intensive care unit
• SOFA disease severity score ≥3 (or at least 3 points above a known baseline)