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Ranson's Criteria for Pancreatitis Mortality

Predicts mortality in acute pancreatitis from admission and 48-hour labs — it takes a full 48 hours to complete, so it cannot drive early disposition.

Mild pancreatitis
Ranson 0–2 · ~2% predicted mortality
Low risk of complications
0pts
At admission
Age >55 years
WBC >16,000 /µL
Blood glucose >200 mg/dL
AST >250 IU/L
LDH >350 IU/L
At 48 hours
Calcium <8 mg/dL
Hematocrit fall >10%
PaO₂ <60 mmHg
BUN increase >5 mg/dL
Base deficit >4 mEq/L
Fluid sequestration >6 L
Ranson JH, 1974 · This tool uses the non-gallstone (alcoholic/other) version — the gallstone version uses different thresholds. Requires 48 hours to complete, so it cannot drive admission-time disposition; BISAP is available at presentation.