Underestimation of acute pancreatitis: patients with only a small increase in amylase/lipase levels can also have or develop severe acute pancreatitis

Abstract

The severity of acute pancreatitis is independent of the elevation in serum amylase/lipase level (</=3n or >3n) on admission. Patients with only a slight increase can also have or develop severe acute pancreatitis. Patients with </=3n elevated enzyme levels on admission represent a substantial group that treatment studies have frequently overlooked. This is especially true for patients with alcohol induced acute pancreatitis whose amylase levels are lower than in other aetiological groups.