Pancreatic amylase in pancreatitis
Amylase is an enzyme that is activelyParticipates in the process of digestion. Separate the two varieties of this enzyme: one of them is produced by the salivary glands, the other by the pancreas.
Function of amylase
The main function of this enzyme is in the process of digesting incoming food.
In particular, it takes an active part in the cleavage of high-molecular carbohydrates and their further conversion to simple sugars. The process of splitting carbohydrates with the formation of glucose is noted. It is thanks to this enzyme that glucose is absorbed in our body.
The process of digestion begins under the influence of salivary gland enzymes, then it continues in the small intestine, where the amylase of the pancreas begins its work. It is here that the most favorable conditions for digesting carbohydrates are created - there is a slightly alkaline environment, as well as enzymes, under the influence of which the decomposition of glycosidic bonds in carbohydrates is observed.
The indicator of this enzyme is a very important criterion in the diagnosis, according to which it is possible to judge the development of certain diseases. In particular, it is most often used to diagnose pancreatic diseases. For example, amylase in pancreatitis is often increased.
Amylase level for diseases
For the diagnosis of pancreatic diseases, the indices of amylase in blood and urine can be used. In this case, pay attention to both increased and lowered levels of this enzyme.
Increasing it in the blood is called hyperamilazemia. It is said about when its level in the blood rises above 50 U / l. It can be noted in the following cases:
- for acute and chronic pancreatitis;
- for a tumor or pancreatic cyst;
- presence of a stone in the lumen of the gland;
- cancer of this body;
- biliary tract disease;
- acute peritonitis;
- epidemic parotitis;
- diabetes mellitus, etc.
It can also be observed and its lowered level - hypoamilazemia. It can be noted in the following cases:
- with pancreatic insufficiency;
- with the onset of necrosis of gland cells;
- for cystic fibrosis;
- for some forms of pancreatic tumors;
- for hepatitis, etc.
As you can see, the concentration of amylase in the blood can increase or decrease not only with pancreatic lesions. At the same time, when evaluating the results of the study, attention is paid both to the level of deviation of the enzyme from the norm, and to its duration. Therefore, for the proper diagnosis, evaluation of these analyzes in dynamics is important. Also, if a pancreas disease is suspected, urine testing is required to determine the level of amylase.
Urinalysis
This examination allows you to determine the increase or decrease in the concentration of this enzyme in the urine. In the first case, they speak of hyperamilazuria, and in the second case hypoamylazuria.
Normally, the level of amylase in urine should be between 1 and 17 U / h. As a rule, changes in these indicators in urine occur simultaneously with the level of a given enzyme in the blood. But for the analysis of urine, it is more convenient to monitor the indices of amylase, without requiring frequent blood sampling for further study.
It is also believed that the concentration of this enzyme in the urine is more indicative for pancreatic diseases, since about 60% of the amylase detected in this analysis falls on the enzyme synthesized by this particular gland.
Level Up
Amylase in urine may rise during acute pancreatitis. Approximately 7-10 hours after the onset of an acute attack, this indicator in the urine will be increased, and after 72 hours it can return to normal. With different forms of pancreatitis, the character of the increase will be different.
With edematic pancreatitis, amylase rises, as a rule, 1-3 days after the onset of the disease. If fatty pancreonecrosis develops, then the level of this enzyme rises significantly and can last for a long time. With hemorrhagic pancreatic necrosis, amylase often rises on day 3 of the disease and is kept at a high level for a very short time.
In chronic pancreatitis, the level of amylase increases during exacerbation. If chronic inflammation in the gland is accompanied by fibrotic changes of this organ, then the increase of this enzyme is quite insignificant.
When evaluating the results of urinalysis, it is important not only to look at the level of amylase in a single study, it is much more important to evaluate this indicator in dynamics. This will identify recurrent forms of pancreatitis, as well as more accurately diagnose if pancreatic disease is suspected.
