AMYLASE

Description

  • < 100 U/L

Clinical significance

  • Amylase is an enzyme that digests Carbohydrates, Glycogen and Starch. It is produced mainly in the salivary glands and pancreas. Amylase is usually present in the blood and urine in small quantities. When the pancreas is diseased or inflamed amylase escapes into the blood. 
  • A marked rise in serum amylase occurs in 95% of patients with acute Pancreatitis within 2-12 hours of onset. The enzyme enters the circulation from damaged pancreatic acinar cells. The highest serum activity is present 12-72 hours after the onset and usually returns to normal in 4 -8 days .
  • Acute non-pancreatic conditions which may also elevated amylase levels include acute parotitis, peritonitis, small intestine obstruction, perforated peptic ulcer, rupture of a tubal pregnancy. 
  • It may also reflect gallbladder disease and some gastrointestinal problems.

When to get tested

  • When there is s/s of Pancreatic disorder ( severe abdominal pain that radiates to the back or gets worse after eating, fever, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, jaundice , Rapid pulse, Steatorrhoea)

Elevated level

  • Acute exacerbation of chronic pancreatitis
  • Drug- induced pancreatitis (eg. Aminosalicylic acid, corticosteroids)
  • Obstruction of pancreatic duct
  • Biliary tract disease
  • Pancreatic trauma
  • Acute alcohol ingestion or poisoning
  • Malignant tumours
  • Advanced renal insufficiency
  • Others: Chronic liver disease, Ovarian cysts, Diabetic ketoacidosis

Decreased level

  • Liver damage
  • Pancreatic destruction (cystic fibrosis)

Profile

ALL TEST

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