Enzymes Diagnosed with Acute Pancreatitis
Acute pancreatitis is a sudden inflammation of the pancreas which can be life-threatening. It is usually caused by gallstones or alcohol consumption. Diagnosis of acute pancreatitis is typically confirmed by blood tests that measure certain enzymes that are released by the pancreas when it is inflamed. The most commonly tested enzymes are:
Amylase: Amylase is an enzyme that helps to break down carbohydrates. When the pancreas is inflamed, it releases increased levels of amylase into the bloodstream, which can be detected by a blood test.
Lipase: Lipase is an enzyme that helps to break down fats. Like amylase, increased levels of lipase are released into the bloodstream when the pancreas is inflamed.
Trypsinogen: Trypsinogen is an inactive form of the enzyme trypsin, which helps to break down proteins. When the pancreas is inflamed, it releases increased levels of trypsinogen into the bloodstream, which can be detected by a blood test.
Elastase: Elastase is an enzyme that helps to break down proteins. Increased levels of elastase are released into the bloodstream when the pancreas is inflamed.
The levels of these enzymes in the blood can help to diagnose acute pancreatitis, as well as to monitor its severity and the progress of treatment.
