Determining the Frequency of Macroamylasemia in Patients with Hyperamylasemia using PEG Precipitation Method

Abstract

Introduction: The term acute abdomen refers to severe and sudden abdominal pain requiring urgent reorganisation. One of the factors causing acute abdomen is acute pancreatitis, which needs immediate measurements. Acute pancreatitis is also associated with increased levels of serum amylase and lipase. Increased serum amylase also appears under other conditions including macroamylasemia and would result in misdiagnosis. Aim: This study aimed to investigate the frequency of macroamylasemia in hyperamylasemia patients using Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) precipitation method. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 100 patients with high serum amylase who received healthcare services in Tabriz Imam Reza Hospital from 2014 to 2015 were included. Presence of macroamylase was evaluated in patients using PEG sedimentation method. Collected data were analysed using SPSS software version 17 and chi-square test, as well as independent sample t-test were carried out. The significance level was set at <0.05. Results: Of 100 patients, 63% were male and 37% were female and their mean age was 50.2±0.7 years. The mean level of serum amylase was 740.4±277.567 U/L and the mean level of serum amylase after PEG precipitation was 578±240.05 U/L. No significant correlation was found (p=0.478). In this study, the frequency of macroamylasemia was 4 (4%) and the frequency of real hyperamylasemia was equal to 96 (96%). The mean level of serum amylase after PEG precipitation was higher in real hyperamylasemia patients than in macroamylasemia patients and a significant association was observed in this regard (p<0.001). Conclusion: The current study showed that a high percentage of hyperamylasemia patients experience macroamylasemia. Regarding the findings and the significance of this issue, it is recommended to consider the diagnosis of macroamylasemia as one of the best approaches to prevent undertaking unnecessary diagnostic procedures and treatments.

Keywords

• acute abdomen
• acute pancreatitis
• amylase
• cholecystitis
• pancreatitis