Hepatobiliary and pancreatic surgery mnemonic

Early markers of severity in acute pancreatitis (Glasgow criteria)

The mnemonic

PANCREAS

What each word stands for

  • PPaO2 below 8 kPa (60 mmHg)
  • AAge over 55
  • NNeutrophilia (WBC above 15)
  • CCalcium below 2 mmol/L
  • RRenal function: urea above 16
  • EEnzymes: LDH above 600 or AST above 200
  • AAlbumin below 32 g/L
  • SSugar: glucose above 10 mmol/L

Why it matters clinically

Three or more positive criteria within 48 hours predict severe pancreatitis.

Where it stops being reliable

Thresholds are from Glasgow criteria; revised Atlanta and CT scoring are also used and thresholds may vary by source.

Teaching aid, still awaiting independent review. Confirm facts in a standard source.

More mnemonics

Common questions

What is the Hepatobiliary and pancreatic surgery mnemonic?

PANCREAS. It helps you recall: Early markers of severity in acute pancreatitis (Glasgow criteria).

What does "P" stand for?

PaO2 below 8 kPa (60 mmHg)

What does "A" stand for?

Albumin below 32 g/L

What does "N" stand for?

Neutrophilia (WBC above 15)

What are all the parts of the PANCREAS mnemonic?

P: PaO2 below 8 kPa (60 mmHg); A: Age over 55; N: Neutrophilia (WBC above 15); C: Calcium below 2 mmol/L; R: Renal function: urea above 16; E: Enzymes: LDH above 600 or AST above 200; A: Albumin below 32 g/L; S: Sugar: glucose above 10 mmol/L.

Which topic does this mnemonic belong to?

It belongs to Hepatobiliary and pancreatic surgery in General Surgery.

Where does this mnemonic stop being reliable?

Thresholds are from Glasgow criteria; revised Atlanta and CT scoring are also used and thresholds may vary by source.

How is this useful clinically?

Three or more positive criteria within 48 hours predict severe pancreatitis.

How do I make this mnemonic stick?

Say it aloud, write it from memory tomorrow, then again in a week. Then test yourself on a General Surgery question about Hepatobiliary and pancreatic surgery.

Is this a standard mnemonic?

It is a teaching aid written or adapted by our team. Some resemble ones students share informally. Check any fact that matters in a standard source.