Ideal scoring system for acute pancreatitis: Quest for the Holy Grail.

Clinical scoring systems are required to predict complications, severity, need for intensive care unit admission, and mortality in patients with acute pancreatitis. Over the years, many scores have been developed, tested, and compared for their efficacy and accuracy. An ideal score should be rapid, reliable, and validated in different patient populations and geographical areas and should not lose relevance over time. A combination of scores or serial monitoring of a single score may increase their efficacy.