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Key Learning Points

1. Diagnosis requires two of the following criteria: abdominal pain consistent with acute pancreatitis, serum amylase/lipase over three times the reference range or findings suggestive of acute pancreatitis on cross-sectional imaging.
2. Severe acute pancreatitis is characterised by organ failure persisting for over 48 hours, and carries a mortality risk of 15–20 per cent.
3. Management is predominantly supportive. Operative intervention has a role only in the later stages of the disease.
4. Prophylactic antibiotics are not recommended; however, they may be indicated in the event of a secondary infection.
5. Enteral nutrition can be given via nasogastric or nasojejunal routes, and is preferred to parenteral nutrition.

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