Clinical Significance of Amylase (Reporting | M) Flashcards
Where is the pancreas located?
It is located inside the abdomen, behind the stomach
What are the fxns of the pancreas?
1) It secretes pancreatic juices (called enzymes)
2) It makes hormones
What is the fxn of hormones being produced by the pancreas?
These serves as chemical messengers that presently flow in the circulation
What is the fxn of AMS?
It catalyzes / aids the hydrolysis / break down of starch into smaller carbs / sugar (w/c is the source of energy)
In connection to the fxn of AMS, what happens if AMS lvls in the pt is not enough?
The pt can exp diarrhea due to undigested carbs
What are the 2 main types of AMS?
1) Salivary
2) Pancreatic
What is the purpose of AMS test?
It is used to measure the amt of AMS in the blood or urine
What is the purpose of AMS blood test?
It is used to diagnose a problem w/ the pancreas
What is the purpose of AMS urine test?
It helps to differentiate pancreatic AMS from other AMS isoforms
What are the clinical significance of AMS?
1) It is primarily used in diagnosing pancreatic diseases
2) Elevated serum AMS lvl is diagnostic indicator of acute pancreatitis
3) It is sensitive but not sp
4) It is not useful in predicting the severity of an acute pancreatitis
What is the normal reference range of AMS in serum test?
40 - 140 U/L
What is the normal reference range of AMS in urine test?
24 - 400 U/L
At what conditions / disorders are AMS lvls increased?
1) Acute pancreatitis
2) Pancreatic cancer
3) Mumps
4) Lung cancer
5) Ovarian cancer
6) Mercaptopurine
7) Simvastatin
What are the conditions / disorders that causes decrease AMS lvls?
1) High carbohydrate: 1 of the leading cause
2) Usually related to cardiometabolic disorders such as diabetes, fat intolerance, or obesity
Is low lvl of AMS in the blood common?
No, because low lvl of AMS in the blood is not common
