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Have Elevated Lipase And Amylase Level. Does This Indicate Any Abnormality?
Question: my amylase has been over 300 for over a year now and it has been checked six or seven times and I don't drink. my lipase has wnt from 60 to 180 the last time.I go to the VA and the don't seem too concerned. I need advice on what to say to get these people in gear before I end up six feet under. Thanks XXXXXX
Hi XXXXXXX
Thank you for the query.
I understand your concern. Lipase and amylase usually rise in the setting of acute pancreatitis which is associated with severe upper abdominal pain usually requiring admission. But prolonged raised amylase/lipase is very unusual.
First we need to confirm what is the upper normal limit of the value you are quoting - if it is more than 3 times the upper normal limit then yes it is definitely raised.
Prolonged raised are usually known to occur in setting of a pseudocyst formation which is a collection of fluid in pancreas. Pseudocyst usually occurs after an acute attack which is confirmed by an ultrasound or CT scan of abdomen.
Therefore if your values are 3 times above the normal reference, it is worthwhile seeing a gastroenterologist to see what exactly is happening. However if these values are just above normal range and you have no symptoms pertaining it then I guess you should not worry.
Either ways avoid alcohol and continue to be a teetotaller.
Hope this answers your query. Let me know if you need clarifications.
Regards
Thank you for the query.
I understand your concern. Lipase and amylase usually rise in the setting of acute pancreatitis which is associated with severe upper abdominal pain usually requiring admission. But prolonged raised amylase/lipase is very unusual.
First we need to confirm what is the upper normal limit of the value you are quoting - if it is more than 3 times the upper normal limit then yes it is definitely raised.
Prolonged raised are usually known to occur in setting of a pseudocyst formation which is a collection of fluid in pancreas. Pseudocyst usually occurs after an acute attack which is confirmed by an ultrasound or CT scan of abdomen.
Therefore if your values are 3 times above the normal reference, it is worthwhile seeing a gastroenterologist to see what exactly is happening. However if these values are just above normal range and you have no symptoms pertaining it then I guess you should not worry.
Either ways avoid alcohol and continue to be a teetotaller.
Hope this answers your query. Let me know if you need clarifications.
Regards
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
Answered by
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