How is hematocrit used in severity assessment of acute pancreatitis?

Hematocrit ≥ 47% at admission or failure of admission hematocrit to decrease at 24hrs is strong predictor of development of pancreatic necrosis. Compromised microcirculation of pancreatic parenchyma precipitated by fluid sequestration with intravascular volume depletion and hemoconcentration leads to development of necrotizing pancreatitis. Therefore, intense hydration is important.