What Causes Elevated Serum Lipase Levels?

Posted on Fri, 28 Aug 2015

Question: Sirr, from last 10 days I am felling a pain on the right side of abdomen under right ribs. Accordingly I have consulted with a Dr. He advised me some blood test. The report is attached. Please go through it where Serum lipase is high does it signifies the damage of pancreas or pancreatitis. Also tg and cholestrol is high. It will also not be worthless to mention that I have a grade 1 Fatty liver. I am regular consumer of alcohol. Please advice.

Answered by Dr. Prasanna Heijebu (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Possible Acute Pancreatitis.

Detailed Answer:
Hi Sir,

I understand your concern.

I have gone through your uploaded report.

Yes certainly elevated serum lipase and amylase strongly point to pancreatic damage.

This could possibly represent Pancreatitis.

Alcohol is known risk factor to cause pancreatic damage.

Grade 1 fatty liver is also a sequel to alcohol consumption and high TG and cholesterol levels.

I strongly advise you to cut down alcohol.

Pain can be temporarily controlled with tab Tramadol 50 mg,after consulting your doctor.

For better assessment of pancreatic damage,I advise you to get a CT scan of the abdomen.

Consultation with an expert Gastroenterologist will help.

Post your further queries if any.
Thank you.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj

Follow up: Dr. Prasanna Heijebu (1 hour later)

Whether high is the factor for pancreatic damage. Whether there is any medicines to cure Pancreatitis. The Dr. prescribe me Rosuvastatin + Fenofibrate. Can I take Tricoline Citrate with medicines for Bowel disturbances. And how many it will take to cure pancreas problem.

Thanking you.

Answered by Dr. Prasanna Heijebu (27 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Drugs are effective only in the acute stage.

Detailed Answer:
Hi Sir,

Yes ,the risk factor for pancreatitis is very high in your case.

Medicines to cure pancreatitis are available only for the acute stage.

Later stages are treated surgically.

Rosuvastatin and Fenofibrate are given to lower cholesterol levels.

This can indirectly reduce the risk of pancreatitis.

Yes you can take Tricholine Citrate for bowel disturbances.

It takes around 2-3 weeks for resolution of symptoms of pancreatitis.
Thank you.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Prasanna Heijebu (2 days later)

Mam whether high tg= 310 is very high in my case. Whether high tg causes artery blockage and how many days I have to take medicines for high tg to avoid risk. Can lowering helps in normalising fatty liver.

Answered by Dr. Prasanna Heijebu (28 hours later)

Brief Answer:
lipid lowering drugs grossly reduce the risk.

Detailed Answer:
Hi Sir,

I understand your concern.

High Tg is certainly a big risk for for both pancreatitis and coronary artery disease(blockade of blood vessels).

You need to take the lipid lowering medications for at least 6 months to reduce the risk and may even completely nullify it.

Also the changes of fatty liver will soon regress.

Post your further queries if any.

Thank you

Note: Revert back with your health reports to get further guidance on your gastric problems. Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad