Complication score as primary outcome variable
| Organ complication | Points | Metabolic complication | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shock | 4 | Hypocalcaemia | 2 |
| Sepsis | 4 | Coagulopathy | 2 |
| Pulmonary insufficiency | 3 | Hyperglycaemia | 2 |
| Renal insufficiency | 3 | Metabolic acidosis | 2 |
| Peritonitis | 3 | Jaundice | 1 |
| Haemorrhage | 3 | Encephalopathy | 1 |
| Abscess | 3 | ||
| Pseudocyst | 3 | ||
| Ileus/subileus | 1 | ||
| Death | 38 |
For each complication occurring in a patient the corresponding points were added. The number of points assigned to a complication express the clinical relevance of the complication for acute pancreatitis. Death was assigned 38 points (equal to the sum of all scores + 1), because it is worse than all other complications together. Primary outcome was the sum of points at admission minus the sum of points for complications acquired during treatment. Hence, positive values of the score indicate improvement, negative values deterioration.