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Serum lipase levels in chronic alcoholics
V V Gumaste1, G Sereny, P Dave
1Department of Medicine, City Hospital Center, Elmhurst, NY 11373.
Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology
|August 1, 1991
Summary
Elevated serum lipase levels are common in alcoholics without acute pancreatitis. This finding suggests that serum lipase may not be a reliable diagnostic marker for acute pancreatitis in this patient population.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Clinical Chemistry
Background:
- Elevated serum amylase is not a reliable indicator of acute pancreatitis in alcoholics due to frequent asymptomatic hyperamylasemia.
- The diagnostic utility of serum lipase in alcoholic patients with abdominal pain requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of elevated serum lipase levels in asymptomatic alcoholics.
- To determine if serum lipase is a reliable biomarker for acute pancreatitis in alcoholic patients.
Main Methods:
- A prospective study was conducted on 202 asymptomatic alcoholics admitted to a hospital detoxification unit.
- Serum lipase levels were measured and compared to the normal range (0-213 U/L).
Main Results:
- 66 out of 202 (32.7%) asymptomatic alcoholics had elevated serum lipase levels.
- Of those with elevated levels, 83% had levels 1-2 times the normal range, and 17% had levels 2-3 times the normal range.
- No patient exceeded three times the normal serum lipase level.
Conclusions:
- A significant proportion of asymptomatic alcoholics exhibit elevated serum lipase levels.
- Elevated serum lipase alone may not be sufficient to diagnose acute pancreatitis in alcoholic patients.
- Interpretation of serum lipase levels in alcoholic patients with abdominal pain should consider this background prevalence.