slightly elevated amylase

This probably does not relate to hcv, but I am unsure. Since I started TX my amylase level has been between 125-140. The upper limit from the lab used during my trial is 120, but I have seen 85 from some other labs.

It's a bit disconcerting having enzyme levels that relate to my pancreas elevated. Anyone have any have any thoughts or similar experience with HCV and amylase.

I plan on seeing my GI about it,
Thanks,
Dave

[HectorSF]

Dave, I have no personal experience with amylase but here is some info I found. Maybe something helpful here? Seeing your GI is a good idea that's for sure.

Here is some info I found.

"by Thomas D Schiano, MD, Jan 04, 2010 06:33AM
slight elevations in amylase and lipase may be seen in chronic liver disease. "
http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Liver-Transplant/High-lipase-and-amylase/show/1137759

Results

An amylase test measures the amount of this enzyme in a sample of blood taken from a vein or in a sample of urine. Many conditions can change amylase levels. Your doctor will discuss any significant abnormal results with you in relation to your symptoms and past health.

WebMD
http://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/amylase-17444?page=2

Results are normally available within 72 hours.

The normal values listed here-called a reference range-are just a guide. These ranges vary from lab to lab, and your lab may have a different range for what’s normal. Your lab report should contain the range your lab uses. Also, your doctor will evaluate your results based on your health and other factors. This means that a value that falls outside the normal values listed here may still be normal for you or your lab.

Normal = 25–125 units per liter (U/L) or 0.4–2.1 microkats/liter (mckat/L)

High values
Values may be high because of:

Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis) or cancer of the pancreas.
Inflammation of the salivary glands, such as mumps.
Blockage of or severe damage to the intestines (bowel infarction).
A stomach ulcer that has caused a hole in the stomach wall.
Gallstones that are causing pancreatitis.
Cystic fibrosis.
Pregnancy and diabetic ketoacidosis.
A ruptured ectopic pregnancy.
Macroamylasemia, an uncommon and harmless condition in which amylase is bound to a protein in the blood. This condition can cause amylase levels to be either high or low.
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Lab Test online

http://www.labtestsonline.org/understanding/analytes/amylase/test.html

1.  Do elevated amylase levels always mean that I have a pancreatic condition?

No. Amylase levels may also be significantly increased in people with gallbladder attacks. Urine and blood amylase levels may be moderately elevated with a variety of other conditions, such as ovarian cancer, lung cancer, tubal pregnancy, acute appendicitis, diabetic ketoacidosis, mumps, intestinal obstruction, or perforated ulcer, but amylase tests are not generally used to diagnose or monitor these disorders.

2.  Can medications that I am taking affect the amylase level?
Yes. Some drugs that may cause amylase to rise include aspirin, diuretics, oral contraceptives, corticosteroids, indomethacin, ethyl alcohol, and opiates (such as codeine and morphine).

3.  What is the difference between P-amylase and S-amylase?
Amylase is an enzyme that has several different forms called isoenzymes. Different tissues make different forms. P-amylase refers to the type of amylase made mainly in the pancreas. S-amylase refers to the type of amylase made mainly by the salivary glands. P-amylase in the blood increases when the pancreas is inflamed or damaged. S-amylase in the blood increases when the salivary gland is inflamed or damaged. Measuring pancreatic amylase, or P-amylase, may be useful in determining if an increase in a total amylase level is due to acute pancreatitis.

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What does the test result mean?

In acute pancreatitis, amylase in the blood often increases to 4 to 6 times higher than the highest reference value, sometimes called upper limit of normal. The increase occurs within 12 to 72 hours of injury to the pancreas and generally remains elevated until the cause is successfully treated. Then the amylase values will return to normal in a few days. In chronic pancreatitis, amylase levels initially will be moderately elevated but often decrease over time with progressive pancreas damage.

Amylase levels may also be significantly increased in people with pancreatic duct obstruction and cancer of the pancreas.


Increased levels of amylase in peritoneal fluid can occur in acute pancreatitis but may also occur in other abdominal disorders, such as obstructed intestine or decreased blood flow to the intestines (infarct).

Decreased blood and urine amylase levels in a person with pancreatitis symptoms may indicate permanent damage to the amylase-producing cells in the pancreas. Increased blood amylase levels with normal to low urine amylase levels may indicate the presence of a macroamylase, a benign complex of amylase and other proteins that accumulates in the blood.

Is there anything else I should know?
In acute pancreatitis, elevated amylase levels usually parallel lipase concentrations, although lipase levels may take a bit longer to rise than blood amylase levels and will remain elevated longer.
Chronic pancreatitis is often associated with alcoholism. It may also be caused by trauma, pancreatic duct obstruction, and be seen in association with genetic abnormalities such as cystic fibrosis.

Good luck!
Hectorsf

[spectda]

Thanks for taking the time to find the information. They always flagged it through the trial but never seemed very concerned. I suppose it's off to the GI.

I know things are tough for you these days but you never complain and help us a lot,
take care,
Dave

[willbb]

Hey Dave.. as your level is only slightly above normal( and may even be considered normal at some labs) it probably is nothing to worry about.....the reason I chimed in here ...a relative of mine also had slightly increased amylase levels..the G.I ordered an U/S just to have a look at  things and low and behold they saw gallstones. Once that problem was addressed her amylase levels decreased. Just a thought....

Good luck,Dave

Will