Work

The Role of Interleukin 17 in Association with Systemic Parameters in Severity Stratification and Mortality Prediction in Moderate and Severe Acute Pancreatitis

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Introduction: Acute pancreatitis is an inflammatory lesion that can lead to multiple organ dysfunctions and has an increased mortality rate. The pathogenic mechanisms are complex. A central element is represented by systemic inflammation. This exploratory study aims to identify parameters useful in stratifying the severity of moderate and severe acute pancreatitis and predicting mortality, as well as in evaluating the predictive value of IL-17 regarding disease severity. Material and Methods: A retrospective study was conducted during the period October 2024–August 2025 on an eligible group of 64 patients with moderate and severe acute pancreatitis. Demographic, etiological, and biological data were collected according to the observation sheets, anamnesis, and clinical examination. Also, the level of IL-17 was quantified by the ELISA technique. All data were appropriately analyzed statistically. Results: Of the 64 cases, 35 (54.69%) had severe acute pancreatitis. From the clinical–demographic data, we identified personal cardiovascular and renal pathological antecedents as independent risk factors for death (OR = 7.529 and OR = 24, respectively). Also, metabolic etiology represented a risk factor for death (OR = 5.625). From the biological parameters, erythrocyte sedimentation rate ≥ 41.29 mm/h and AISI score ≥ 1627.50 have a role in predicting severity with quite high sensitivity and specificity. Leukocytosis, C-reactive protein (CRP), IL-17, and hypocalcemia represent predictive risk factors for the occurrence of severe acute pancreatitis (OR = 3.733, OR = 1.136, OR = 1.068, and OR = 3.542, respectively). Of these, only CRP, IL-17, and hypocalcemia represent risk factors for death (OR = 1.051, OR = 1.080, OR = 6.771). Regarding the in-hospital management of intensive care days, complications and organ dysfunctions are risk factors for death. Conclusions: This study identified useful parameters adjunct to the current scoring systems to stratify patient severity in moderate and severe acute pancreatitis, as well as risk factors for mortality. In addition, IL-17 provides useful information involved in the pathogenesis, evolution of severity and survival in these patients. Despite the promising role of IL-17, these findings remain preliminary due to the small sample size and require external validation.

Source: Medical Sciences

DOI: 10.3390/medsci14060600