Imipenem Prophylaxis in Patients With Acute Pancreatitis

Inclusion Criteria: * diagnosis of acute pancreatitis defined by the Revised 2012 Atlanta Criteria * first manifestation of acute pancreatitis regardless of etiology * APACHE II ≥ 8 calculated within the first 24 hours of admission * onset of symptoms \< 72 hours before admission Exclusion Criteria: * age \< 18 years * pregnant and breastfeeding women * active and documented infection at admission * concomitant antibiotic treatment or antibiotic treatment present within 72 hours before enrollment * acute pancreatitis diagnosed at surgery * active malignancy * known immune deficiency * patients with chronic pancreatitis * patients unwilling to participate in the trial