Background: Severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) is associated with high morbidity and mortality.
Objective: To evaluate whether necrosectomy, alone or combined with vacuum-assisted closure (VAC), has any additional beneficial effects on mitochondrial function and/or oxidative stress markers in SAP.
Methods: Patients with SAP, APACHE II score > 8, and inadequate response to management in an intensive care unit were included in a prospective observational study. Sixteen underwent necrosectomy and 24 underwent necrosectomy plus VAC every 48 h. Patients were then categorized as survivors or deceased. Submitochondrial membrane fluidity of platelets and F0F1-ATPase hydrolysis were measured to represent mitochondrial function. Oxidative/nitrosative stress was measured using lipoperoxides (LPOs), nitric oxide (NO), erythrocyte membrane fluidity, and total antioxidant capacity (TAC).
Results: Membrane fluidity in submitochondrial particles of platelets remained significantly increased throughout the study, and then eventually rised in deceased patients managed with necrosectomy + VAC vs. survivors (p < 0.041). Hydrolysis was significantly increased from baseline to endpoint in all patients, predominating in those who died after management with necrosectomy (p < 0.03). LPO increased in all patients, and necrosectomy was more efficient for the eventual decrease in survivors (p < 0.039). NO was found to be increased for the baseline-endpoint result among both survivors and deceased patients with both management options. Erythrocyte membrane fluidity was increased in survivors managed with necrosectomy + VAC, and eventually returned to normal (p < 0.045). TAC was found to be consumed in all patients for the duration of the study.
Conclusions: Mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative/ nitrosative stress with significant systemic antioxidant consumption were found. Necrosectomy was more efficient and better cleared LPOs. Necrosectomy + VAC improved erythrocyte membrane fluidity and increased survival.