[Change in pancreatic exocrine function in acute appendicitis].

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Gastroenterology
• Surgical Pathology

Context:

• Acute appendicitis is a common surgical emergency.
• Assessing pancreatic function is crucial for understanding systemic responses to abdominal inflammation.
• Postoperative monitoring of enzyme levels aids in evaluating patient recovery and potential complications.

Purpose:

• To investigate alterations in pancreatic function during acute appendicitis.
• To analyze changes in blood and urine amylase and serum lipase activity.
• To correlate enzyme level changes with appendicitis severity and patient demographics.

Summary:

• 1572 investigations of blood and urine amylase and serum lipase were conducted in 131 patients with acute appendicitis.
• Enzyme activity was measured preoperatively and during various postoperative periods.
• A significant increase in enzyme activity was observed, especially in destructive appendicitis and elderly patients.

Impact:

• Provides insights into the pancreatic response to acute appendicitis.
• Highlights the utility of enzyme activity monitoring in managing appendicitis patients.
• Suggests potential biomarkers for assessing appendicitis severity and patient prognosis.