Hyperamylasaemia in ruptured aortic aneurysm: incidence and prognostic implications

A study was carried out to determine the incidence of increased serum amylase activity in patients with ruptured aortic aneurysm during the 48 h after presentation and to assess its clinical significance. In a prospective series of 25 patients, hyperamylasaemia occurred in ten and was significantly associated with poor outcome (P = 0.005). In patients who died or had a major complication, serum amylase activity was significantly higher than in those who had an uncomplicated postoperative recovery (P < 0.05). There was a correlation between preoperative serum amylase activity and length of stay in the intensive care unit after operation (rs = 0.78 (95 per cent confidence interval 0.54-0.90), P < 0.002). Serum amylase activity may be useful as a prognostic indicator in patients with ruptured aortic aneurysm.