Long non-coding RNA plasmacytoma variant translocation 1 (lnc-PVT1) possesses a good ability to regulate inflammation as well as multiple organ injury via multiple pathways, and clinically exacerbates severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) via autophagy. This study aimed to further assess the correlation of lnc-PVT1 with inflammation, multiple disease assessment scales, and prognostication in acute pancreatitis (AP) patients.

Peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) samples were collected from 98 AP patients (within 24 h after admission) and 50 healthy controls (HCs). lnc-PVT1 in PBMC samples was examined by reverse transcription-quantitive polymerase chain reaction. Multiple AP assessments, C-reactive protein (CRP) level, and in-hospital deaths were evaluated or recorded.

lnc-PVT1 was overexpressed in AP patients compared with HCs; it was also positively correlated with Ranson's score, acute pathologic and chronic health evaluation II (APACHE II) score, sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score, and CRP level in AP patients. Besides, lnc-PVT1 disclosed a good predictive value for higher in-hospital mortality in AP patients (the area under the curve: 0.838, 95% confidence interval: 0.708–0.968). Lastly, lnc-PVT1 was generally correlated with CRP level as well as SOFA score among mild AP, moderate-severe AP, and SAP subgroups, especially in SAP subgroup; it was also correlated with higher mortality risk in SAP subgroup, but not in mild AP or moderate-severe AP subgroup.

lnc-PVT1 is associated with CRP level, SOFA score, and higher mortality risk in AP patients, especially in SAP patients, indicating its potential as a biomarker for AP.