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Lipase Elevation in Patients With COVID-19
Julia McNabb-Baltar1,2, David X Jin1,2, Amit S Grover2,3
1Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Endoscopy, Center for Pancreatic Disease, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
Insights
Mild hyperlipasemia occurred in 12.1% of hospitalized coronavirus disease (COVID-19) patients. However, no patients developed acute pancreatitis, suggesting COVID-19 does not significantly impact pancreatic function.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Infectious Diseases
- Internal Medicine
Background:
- Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is known to cause gastrointestinal symptoms.
- The impact of COVID-19 on pancreatic function is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the frequency and characteristics of hyperlipasemia in patients hospitalized with COVID-19.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective cohort study.
- Involved 71 hospitalized patients diagnosed with COVID-19 across 6 US centers.
Main Results:
- Hyperlipasemia was observed in 9 (12.1%) patients.
- Two patients (2.8%) had lipase levels greater than 3 times the upper limit of normal.
- No patients developed acute pancreatitis; hyperlipasemia was not linked to adverse outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Mild elevations in serum lipase were noted in some COVID-19 patients.
- Clinical acute pancreatitis was not observed in this cohort.
Introduction:
Although coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has been associated with gastrointestinal manifestations, its effect on the pancreas remains unclear. We aimed to assess the frequency and characteristics of hyperlipasemia in patients with COVID-19.
Methods:
A retrospective cohort study of hospitalized patients across 6 US centers with COVID-19.
Results:
Of 71 patients, 9 (12.1%) developed hyperlipasemia, with 2 (2.8%) greater than 3 times upper limit of normal. No patient developed acute pancreatitis. Hyperlipasemia was not associated with poor outcomes or symptoms.
Discussion:
Although a mild elevation in serum lipase was observed in some patients with COVID-19, clinical acute pancreatitis was not seen.
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