Harmless Score

Q: The Harmless score applies to? - Select one

A) Acute Aphasia (stroke)

B) Acute Breathing problem

C) Acute Cardiac event

D) Acute Pancreatitis

E) Acute Liver failure

Answer: D

Although the "Harmless acute pancreatitis score" is not a well-known entity, it is an interesting quick-to-do test that can be calculated within 30 minutes of admission to predict mortality/severity. It comprises of three parameters - and if all three are negative, pancreatitis is probably harmless: 

1. Lack of rebound tenderness or guarding
2. Normal hematocrit 
3. Normal serum creatinine

Only one study of 204 patients is available in this regard, but it correctly identified harmlessness with 98 percent accuracy.

#GI

Reference:

Lankisch PG, Weber-Dany B, Hebel K, et al. The harmless acute pancreatitis score: a clinical algorithm for rapid initial stratification of nonsevere disease. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2009; 7:702.