Glasgow (Imrie) Score for Pancreatitis
Assesses severity of acute pancreatitis using 8 criteria within 48 hours of admission.
How to use & interpret
The Glasgow-Imrie score grades acute pancreatitis severity at 48 hours using eight parameters (the PANCREAS mnemonic: PaO₂, Age, Neutrophils/WCC, Calcium, Renal/urea, Enzymes/LDH, Albumin, Sugar/glucose).
A score of ≥3 indicates severe pancreatitis and should prompt consideration of high-dependency or intensive care and close monitoring for complications. It is widely used in the UK and is simpler than Ranson; combine it with CRP and clinical assessment.
Score interpretation
Score 0–2: Mild pancreatitis. Low mortality.
→ Conservative management: IV fluids, analgesia, NBM. Most will resolve within 5–7 days.
Score ≥3: Severe acute pancreatitis. Mortality ~15–30%.
→ HDU/ICU. Aggressive fluid resuscitation. CT pancreas to assess necrosis. GI/surgical specialist review.
Interpretation bands for the Glasgow-Imrie. Apply clinical judgement and local guidance.
Frequently asked questions
What does a Glasgow-Imrie score of 3 or more mean?
It predicts severe acute pancreatitis with higher complication and mortality risk, and supports escalation to HDU/ICU-level monitoring.
References
- Imrie CW et al. A single-centre double-blind trial of Trasylol therapy in primary acute pancreatitis. Br J Surg. 1978.
Related
Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.
- Difficult Airway Algorithm (DAS) · DAS 2015; Royal College of Anaesthetists
- Major Haemorrhage Protocol · NICE NG24; UK MHP guidelines
- New-Onset Atrial Fibrillation · ESC 2020 AF Guidelines; NICE NG196
- Hypertensive Emergency · ESC/ESH 2018 Hypertension Guidelines; NICE NG136
- Bradycardia Management · Resuscitation Council UK ABCDE; ESC 2021 Pacing Guidelines
Decision support only — verify against a current formulary, NICE, or your local guideline before clinical use.