A Pilot Study of Using Pancreatic Alpha Amylase in Screening for Acute Pancreatitis

Abstract

Objective : To study effectiveness of serum pancreatic alpha amylase as a diagnostic marker in screenling for acute pancreatitis

Methods : This study was set as a pilot study. Tatal 13 patient with elevation of serum alpha amylase level caused by diverse diseases were included. Serum from each subject was determined for alpha amylase, lipase and pancreatic amylase level. Diagnostic property of each chemical determination was presented as sensitivity, specificity, false positive and false negative.

Result : Considering serum alpha amylase determination, sensitivity, specificity, false positive and false negative were 100% 60% 40 % and 0% orderly. Concerning serum lipase determination, sensitivity, specificity, false positive and false negative were 66.7%, 50%, 30% and 33.3% orderly. While sensitivity, specificity, false positive and false negative of pancreatic alpha amylase were 100%, 70%, 50% and 0% respectively.

Conclusions : Pancreatic alpha amylase determination is overall similar to serum amylase determination in screening for acute pancreatitis. However, implication to other setting is still limited due rather few subjects according to the nature of pilot study. Further complete study is recommended.

Key Word: acute pancreatitis, amylase