In patients with acute pancreatitis, lower arterial blood pH is consistently associated with higher mortality rates, increased Ranson and APACHE II disease severity scores, and longer hospital stays.

When blood becomes too acidic, it triggers digestive enzymes inside the pancreas to activate prematurely, causing the pancreas to digest itself. This damage releases chemicals that attract immune cells and cause widespread inflammation. The inflammation reduces blood flow to organs, forcing cells to produce lactic acid as they struggle for energy. The kidneys also fail to remove excess acid, making the blood even more acidic. This cycle of self-digestion, inflammation, and acid buildup worsens organ damage and increases the risk of death.