[Urinary lipase: properties and value of its determination]

Lipase activity was detected by nephelometry in urine specimens from 23 patients. Urinary lipase and plasma activities present different sensitivities to changes in ionic strength and copper ion concentration. Experiments with mixtures of urine specimens with and without lipasic activity showed that there is no lipase inhibitor in urine. Urinary lipase is generally seen in patients presenting signs of renal impairment (increase in uremia and creatinemia) and hematuria. The highest urinary lipase levels in such patients are usually seen when blood lipase is increased. High urinary lipase in the absence of hepatic aliments could, therefore, be indicative of renal disorder.