Pancreatic Enzyme Analysis
Pancreatic enzyme analysis is a set of laboratory tests aimed at evaluating pancreatic function by measuring the activity and concentration of its digestive enzymes.
The primary purpose of these tests is to detect inflammatory and destructive processes (such as pancreatitis), assess the severity of damage, and monitor treatment effectiveness.
- What is tested:
- Pancreatic enzymes including amylase, lipase, elastase-1, trypsin, carboxypeptidases, and others.
- Sample types: blood, stool, urine, duodenal contents.
- Key enzymes and their significance:
- Amylase and lipase: classical markers of acute pancreatitis; levels rise sharply during inflammation.
- Fecal elastase-1: specific marker of the exocrine pancreatic function; low levels indicate insufficiency.
- Trypsin and carboxypeptidases: used for detailed assessment of severity and nature of damage.
- Testing methods:
- Blood enzyme activity testing — the most common, rapid, and informative diagnostic method.
- Fecal elastase-1 test — non-invasive and convenient for evaluating enzyme production capacity.
- Functional tests using stimulants (e.g., secretin-pancreozymin test) — assess secretory activity but require more complex preparation.
- Additional methods include measurement of hydrolysis products and enzyme determination in urine and breath.
- Clinical applications and diagnostic value:
- Detection of acute and chronic inflammatory pancreatic diseases.
- Assessment of disease severity and stage.
- Diagnosis of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency.
- Monitoring enzyme replacement therapy effectiveness.
- Differential diagnosis in gastrointestinal diseases including tumors and diabetes.
Summary: Pancreatic enzyme analysis is an essential tool in diagnosing pancreatic diseases, allowing comprehensive evaluation of pancreatic status and aiding in tailoring appropriate treatment.
If needed, I can provide reference ranges and detailed testing protocols.