While analysis of the conditions related to the development of acute cholangitis [AC] is warranted, most studies have focused primarily on the treatment and outcomes of acute cholangitis; thus, the predisposing factors for developing acute cholangitis are not fully understood, and studies that report on the risk factors for acute cholangitis in patients with bile duct stones are rare. Therefore, it is important to identify the factors that predispose patients to acute cholangitis and to determine the proper timing for performing biliary drainage. The primary aim of this study was to identify early clinical, biochemical, and etiologic variables that may be useful in predicting AC in patients with obstructive jaundice.