Acute Pancreatitis And The Role Of Amylase Levels

In patients with severe acute pancreatitis, amylase levels often fall within or below the normal range. Specifically, serum amylase measured by the BMD method typically ranges between 15-115 U/L, while urinary amylase tested using the Somogyi method falls between 80-300 U/L. Severe inflammation and tissue damage in the pancreas can significantly reduce amylase production. A sudden drop in both blood and urine amylase levels is a strong indicator of severe pancreatitis.

Moreover, persistent fasting blood glucose levels above 10 mmol/L are commonly observed in these patients and can serve as a warning sign for poor prognosis. In addition to hyperglycemia, serum calcium levels tend to decline dramatically. The degree of hypocalcemia often correlates with the severity of the condition, and when serum calcium drops below 1.5 mmol/L, it strongly suggests a worse clinical outcome.

Severe pancreatitis is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate and intensive care. Patients usually need to be admitted to an ICU for close monitoring and aggressive treatment to manage complications and support organ function. Early recognition of biochemical markers like amylase, glucose, and calcium is crucial in guiding clinical decisions and improving patient outcomes.