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Endoscopy 1999; 31(2): 131-136
DOI: 10.1055/s-1999-13660
Original Article

Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart · New York

Twenty-Four-Hour Serum Amylase Predicting Pancreatic Reaction After Endoscopic Sphincterotomy

P. A. Testoni1 , S. Caporuscio2 , F. Bagnolo2 , F. Lella2
  • 1 Dept. of Biochemical Sciences, Division of Gastroenterology and Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, University of Milan, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy
  • 2 Dept. of Gastroenterology, Policlinico San Marco, Zingonia, Italy
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Publication History

Publication Date:
31 December 1999 (online)

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Abstract

Background and Study Aims: Acute pancreatitis is still the most common complication after endoscopic sphincterotomy (ES) and cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). The aim of this study was to detect the time when the peak of serum amylase was predictive for postprocedure pancreatitis or long-lasting severe hyperamylasemia, in order to plan the follow-up of patients.

Methods: Serum amylase activity was measured in a prospective series of 409 consecutive patients after ES, immediately before ES and two, four, eight and 24 hours thereafter; the two, four and eight-hour data were compared with those at 24 hours and with the outcome. Evaluation was done separately for the 198 cases with pancreatic duct opacification and for the 202 cases at high risk for postprocedure pancreatitis.

Results: Twenty-four hours after ES, amylase was still more than five times the upper normal limit in 26 patients, associated with pancreatic-like pain in 19 of them (mild/moderate pancreatitis) and asymptomatic in the remaining seven (long-lasting severe hyperamylasemia). There was a significant difference at all sampling times between the 26 patients with 24-hour severe hyperamylasemia and those with the lower level. Although the sensitivity of amylase measurement in detecting pancreatitis was highest at eight hours, in practice the four-hour assessment appears a reliable predictor. Almost all patients with serum amylase levels more than five times the upper normal limit at four, eight and 24 hours had had pancreatic duct opacification. In contrast, patient-related risk factors for postprocedure pancreatitis did not play a significant role in the present series.

Conclusions: Serum amylase assessment four hours after ES is a reliable, cost-effective follow-up and minimizes the likelihood of underestimating the risk of postprocedure pancreatic reaction. It should be recommended particularly in out-patients and when pancreatic duct opacification has occurred

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