We are happy to draw your attention to the EASY (Early Achievable SeveritY Index) study initiated by the Hungarian Pancreatic Study Group. The protocol of the study had been discussed and accepted by professionals on an international conference, received the necessary ethical approvals and had been registered (ISRCTN10525246). This study has also been endorsed by the scientific committee of IAP. More than 25 centers have already joined the study and patient recruitment has started with more than 200 patients already enrolled.

As you know, our main hypothesis is that early recognition of severe disease course of acute pancreatitis (AP) may enable clinicians to consider more interventions which could potentially prevent serious adverse outcomes and improve patient management and disease survival. Therefore we proposed to develop a simple and accurate clinical scoring (EASY) system that can stratify patients with AP during the first 6-12 hours of hospitalisation according to their risk for severe disease course.

By the investigation and analysis of routine parameters (from medical history, physical state, laboratory tests and diagnostic imaging) observed at admission we aim to establish a clinical scoring system using 5-10 parameters for early and simple prognostication of AP.

For data collection and analysis, we need around 1000 of recruited patients hospitalized due to AP. Parameters listed in the study protocol are all numeric; data obtained from the detailed medical history and physical examination as well as from the simple laboratory tests and diagnostic imaging are sufficient for filling out the questionnaire. The details of the study can be found at http://www.pancreas.hu/en/studies/easy. You will also find authorship rules for active participants.

The quality of initial patient management is crucial with respect to the disease course and clinical outcome. Therefore, PLEASE NOTE that it is of UTMOST IMPORTANCE TO FOLLOW THE IAP/APA EVIDENCE-BASED GUIDELINES FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF AP, especially the initial fluid resuscitation therapy (>2500 ml during the first 24 hours), the early enteral nutrition as well as the avoidance of causeless antibiotic prophylaxis. According to the literature the early proper supportive therapy seems to be crucial in terms of the clinical outcome.

It is also of KEY IMPORTANCE that the initial patient management (admission, physical examination, tests) should be strictly performed as described in the study protocol and questionnaire.

Your intent to join is welcome, your cooperation is highly appreciated!

Prof Peter Hegyi, Chair, Hungarian Pancreatic Study Group

Prof Philippe Lévy, Chair of IAP Scientific Committe