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What Causes Elevated Amylase Levels?
Question: Doctor I have a Amylase reading of 138 While the lab XXXXXXX limit is 118, rest all values of pancreas kidney is normal.what does it imply ? I m thinking of seeing A Gastro specialist or Endocrinologist ? Please suggest.
Brief Answer:
Not clinical significant in case of absence of clinical symptoms.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Welcome to HCM,
I have read your query and understand the concern,
There are a number of conditions that can make the enzyme amylase to increase.
It is more than 80% of times is associated with inflammation of the pancreas which produces digestive enzymes.
When it is in conjunction with elevation of Serum Lipase level,it is indicative of pancreatitis.
However,there are some other sources of amylase like salivary glands which can also produce this. Gallbladder inflammation also elevates the amylase.
Since your amylase level is 138 which I would consider as a mild elevation.
It is clinically significant only when if the elevation is three times the normal (so clinically normal around 140 units).
In case,if you do NOT have any clinical symptoms,I would NOT consider this mild elevation as a clinical significant.It could be just a normal laboratory variation.
So,You may wait for 2 weeks (if you do not have clinical symptoms like abdominal pain) and get your test again after 2 weeks of time in the same laboratory.
In case,any symptoms or for your peace of mind, you can see some local physician if gastroenterologist appointment is not feasible.
Hope this helps.
Regards,
Dr.Sandip Kabra
Not clinical significant in case of absence of clinical symptoms.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Welcome to HCM,
I have read your query and understand the concern,
There are a number of conditions that can make the enzyme amylase to increase.
It is more than 80% of times is associated with inflammation of the pancreas which produces digestive enzymes.
When it is in conjunction with elevation of Serum Lipase level,it is indicative of pancreatitis.
However,there are some other sources of amylase like salivary glands which can also produce this. Gallbladder inflammation also elevates the amylase.
Since your amylase level is 138 which I would consider as a mild elevation.
It is clinically significant only when if the elevation is three times the normal (so clinically normal around 140 units).
In case,if you do NOT have any clinical symptoms,I would NOT consider this mild elevation as a clinical significant.It could be just a normal laboratory variation.
So,You may wait for 2 weeks (if you do not have clinical symptoms like abdominal pain) and get your test again after 2 weeks of time in the same laboratory.
In case,any symptoms or for your peace of mind, you can see some local physician if gastroenterologist appointment is not feasible.
Hope this helps.
Regards,
Dr.Sandip Kabra
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
Answered by
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