Objective  The aim of this study was to evaluate the predictive value of Ranson score for typing hyperlipidemic acute pancreatitis (HLAP).

  Methods  The clinical data of HLAP patients in the department of Emergency Medicine of Peking Union Medical College Hospital from January 2014 to October 2018 were retrospectively collected, including age, sex, serum lipid, blood glucose, white blood cells, lactate dehydrogenase, aspartate aminotransferase, and hematocrit, urea nitrogen, blood calcium, alkali deficiency, fluid loss at the 48th hour after the admission. Ranson scores were evaluated and compared between the moderately severe and severe HLAP groups; the optimal cut-off value was obtained using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, and its sensitivity and specificity were calculated. The chi-square test was used to verify the consistency.

  Results  A total of 99 patients meeting the inclusive and exclusive criteria were enrolledin this study, including 45 with moderately severe HLAP and 54 with severe HLAP. Ranson score of the severe HLAP group was higher than that of the moderately severe group (5.19±1.33 vs. 3.09±1.35, P < 0.01). ROC curve analysis indicated that 4 was the cut-off value; its sensitivity and specificity were 75.9% and 84.4%, respectively. Using 4 as the cutting line, a Ranson score of 3-4 indicated the moderately severe HLAP, and > 4 indicated severe HLAP; Ranson scores of moderately severe and severe HLAP group were consistent with the disease classification (P < 0.01).

  Conclusions  The Ranson score might be used to type the moderately severe and severe HLAP, with a score of 3-4 suggesting the moderately severe HLAP and > 4 suggesting the severe HLAP.