Serum amylase levels in ectopic pregnancy

Thirty-four women with abdominal complaints and a positive pregnancy test were evaluated for possible ectopic pregnancy (EP). Serum amylase levels were obtained as part of the diagnostic workup to note any correlation of enzyme levels with the presence of EP. Thirteen individuals (30%) were subsequently diagnosed as having an EP, and serum amylase levels in all of these patients were within normal limits, averaging 81 U/L. There was no statistically significant difference in amylase levels between the EP group and the non-EP group (P = .70). Serum amylase levels cannot reliably predict the presence of EP and should not be used as a screening or diagnostic test for this disorder.