amylase and lipase

[Guest guest]

,

You wrote, " They say that because my amylase is high but my lipase is normal

it can't Pancreatitis and are on a mission to prove that diagnosis wrong! I

have just started researching and am finding great sites but nothing on lipase

levels "

I am glad that you are doing your own search to learn as much as you can.

There are definitely situations that can cause irregular enzyme elevations. A

good web site to go to is called Lab Tests On Line, located at: *<A

HREF= " www.labtestsonline.org " >

www.labtestsonline.org</A> You can research by disease or by test. I have been

working with them

for several years on updating their documentation to support the clinical

changes that we, the patients see, and to try and discard the traditional

textbook

definitions, especially, in regard to enzyme levels and Pancreatitis. I am

real proud of our progress.

Here is an example:

Both lipase and amylase are usually ordered together to diagnose acute <A

HREF= " http://labtestsonline.org/understanding/conditions/pancreatitis.html " >

Pancreatitis</A>. Both may also be used to monitor chronic Pancreatitis. Both

may be

moderately elevated in chronic <A

HREF= " http://labtestsonline.org/understanding/conditions/pancreatic_diseases.htm\

l " >pancreatic disease</A> and/or levels may fall if the

cells that produce amylase and lipase in the pancreas become damaged or

destroyed. Low lipase levels are often associated with <A

HREF= " http://labtestsonline.org/understanding/conditions/diabetes.html " >diabetes\

</A>. (If your body is

unable to digest fat, this condition interferes with insulin metabolism and with

insulin's transport of glucose into the cells.) Lipase-deficient people may

also have high <A

HREF= " http://labtestsonline.org/understanding/analytes/cholesterol/glance.html " >\

cholesterol</A> and/or high blood <A

HREF= " http://labtestsonline.org/understanding/analytes/triglycerides/glance.html\

" >triglycerides</A>, high blood pressure,

difficulty losing weight, and varicose veins. Drugs that may interfere with

maintaining proper lipase levels include codeine, indomethacin, morphine, and

drugs with a hydrochloric acid base.

These are good pages to print off and add to your health packet. Lab tests On

Line have very reputable Biochemists respected among their colleagues.

I see that you live in Chicago. I have met about 15 other people with

Pancreatitis who live in or around Chicago. Actually, there are two people who

live

in McHenry, IL. who will be coming to the Symposium on Pancreatitis this month.

It is being held in Indianapolis, which is only about a four to five hour

drive from Chicago. This would be a great opportunity for you to network and

meet

other people, especially, within your local. We have plenty of room, and it

is free to attend. You might be able to work out a carpooling deal? If you want

more information about the Symposium go to: *<A

HREF= " http://www.pancassociation.org/symposium.html " >

http://www.pancassociation.org/symposium.html</A>

Karyn E. , RN,

Exec. Director, PAI

*http://www.pancassociation.org