Determination of severity and prognosis of acute pancreatitis using electron and atomic force microscopy

Introduction. The purpose of this study is to determine the predictors of the severity of acute pancreatitis by electron and atomic force microscopy of peripheral blood erythrocytes. Materials and methods. Electron and atomic force microscopy of peripheral blood erythrocytes of healthy people and patients with pancreatitis of varying severity was performed. Venous blood sampling was performed from the cubital vein upon admission to the hospital. Blood from donors was used as a control group. The shape of the erythrocyte, the volume of the erythrocyte, the state of the membrane and cytoplasm, as well as the content of potassium, sodium, calcium, nitrogen and oxygen in the cell were compared. Results. Electron and atomic force microscopy of red blood cells revealed a change in the size and membrane of red blood cells, significantly dependent on the severity of acute pancreatitis, as well as the effect of membrane-protective therapy on the condition of red blood cells. Discussion. Comparative scanning of erythrocyte membranes can clearly trace the negative changes in the latter compared to the membrane of healthy people and depending on the severity of the process. Conclusions. According to these changes in red blood cells, it is possible to indirectly judge the processes occurring in the cells of the pancreas. Accordingly, it is possible to determine the severity of acute pancreatitis.