Suspect acute pancreatitis in any patient with epigastric pain and in patients with impaired general condition of unknown aetiology and a history of alcohol consumption. Identify acute pancreatitis at an early stage on the basis of the clinical presentation and determination of plasma/urine amylase or trypsinogen-2-status (dipstick test). Refer to central hospital all patients with acute pancreatitis who have impaired general condition, or clearly elevated plasma CRP concentration.