In pancreatitis, levels of amylase and lipase have been found to correlate very well. However, multiple studies have shown that lipase is a more sensitive and specific marker of acute pancreatitis than amylase. Moreover, lipase stays elevated longer than amylase, which is useful in cases of delayed presentation. However, false negative results may still be observed after many days, but amylase is not helpful in those cases. For children, pediatric specific reference ranges should be adapted. For more information:
Abu-El-Haija M, Kumar S, Quiros JA, et al. Management of Acute Pancreatitis in the Pediatric Population: A Clinical Report From the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition Pancreas Committee. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 2018 Jan;66(1):159-176. PMID: 29280782.
American Gastroenterological Association (AGA). AGA Institute medical position statement on acute pancreatitis. Gastroenterology 2007;132(5):2019-21. PMID: 17484893.
Haute Autorité de Santé (HAS). Évaluation de l’amylasémie et de la lipasémie pour le diagnostic initial de la pancréatite aiguë. Rapport d’évaluation technologique. Saint-Denis la Plaine, France ׃ HAS; 2009. [Internet].
United Kingdom Working on Acute Pancreatitis (UKPAP). UK guidelines for the management of acute pancreatitis. Gut 2005; 54(Suppl3)1-9. PMID: 15831893.
Ismail OZ, Bhayana V. Lipase or amylase for the diagnosis of acute pancreatitis? Clin Biochem. 2017 Dec; 50(18):1275-1280. PMID: 28720341.
Ventrucci M, Pezzilli R, Naldoni P, Platè L, Baldoni F, Gullo L, Barbara L. Serum pancreatic enzyme behavior during the course of acute pancreatitis. Pancreas. 1987;2(5):506-9. PMID: 2444967.