A Clinical Evaluation of Elevated Serum and Urine Amylase

Abstract

Jensen, H.-E., Nielsen, J. & Amdrup, E. 1970. A Clinical Evaluation of Elevated Serum and Urine Amylase. Scand. J. Gastroent. 5, 543-547.

The frequency of elevated serum bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase, and glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT), and also albuminuria, was the same in patients with stones in gall bladder and in bile ducts. In patients with elevated amylase but without gall stones the frequency of elevated serumbilirubin and albuminuria was the same as in patients with gall stones, but the incidence of elevated alkaline phosphatase and SGOT was lower. Doubt is raised about the significance of gall stones as an aetiological factor in pancreatitis, and it is also questioned how often elevated amylase betokens primary pancreatic disorder. The similarities between different groups may argue existence of a general toxic state involving liver and kidneys just as much as pancreas.

Key-words::

• Albuminuria
• amylase
• liver function
• pancreas