Current status and challenges of standardized diagnosis, treatment and critical care manage-ment of acute pancreatitis

Acute pancreatitis is a common clinical emergency of the digestive system, of which the disease spectrum and diagnostic and therapeutic approaches have evolved in recent years. Severe acute pancreatitis continues to be associated with high mortality rates and complex management challenges, standardized diagnosis and treatment are therefore crucial for improving patient outcomes. The authors systematically review recent updates to domestic and international guidelines and consensus statements on acute pancreatitis. They focus on summarizing core strategies such as early goal‑directed fluid resuscitation, standardized analgesia, early enteral nutrition, delayed stepwise minimally invasive interventions, and etiological treatment. Additionally, they analyze the gaps between guidelines and clinical practice in areas such as disease assessment, antimicrobial use, nutritional support, and follow‑up management. In light of the challenges in managing severe acute pancreatitis, the authors further explore issues such as organ function support, intra‑abdominal pressure monitoring, multidisciplinary collaboration, and the implementation of clinical pathways, with the aim of providing guidance to enhance the standardization and consistency of acute pancrea⁃titis diagnosis and treatment and to improve patient outcomes.