Pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas, which is an organ that helps to digest food. When pancreatitis occurs, transaminases, or enzymes, are often found to be elevated in the blood. These enzymes can indicate the presence of pancreatitis and the severity of the condition.
What Are Transaminases?
Transaminases are enzymes that are normally present in the liver. They are used to help break down proteins and amino acids in the body. When transaminases are elevated in the blood, it can indicate a problem with the liver or other organs.
What Transaminases Are Elevated in Pancreatitis?
There are two main types of transaminases that are typically elevated in pancreatitis: aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT). AST and ALT are usually elevated in the blood in cases of pancreatitis, and their levels can be used to determine the severity of the condition.
What Do Elevated Transaminase Levels Mean?
Elevated transaminase levels can indicate inflammation of the pancreas, which can be caused by a variety of factors. These include alcohol use, gallstones, infections, and certain medications. High transaminase levels can also indicate other problems with the liver or other organs.
How Is Pancreatitis Treated?
Treatment for pancreatitis depends on the cause of the condition. If the cause is alcohol use, then abstaining from alcohol is the first step in treatment. If the cause is gallstones, then removing the gallstones is typically recommended. Other treatment options may include antibiotics, pain medications, or surgery.