Evaluation of Acute Pancreatitis on the Basis of Age, Sex and Etiological Factors in North Indian Population

Acute pancreatitis is an inflammatory disease of pancreas. Pancreatitis occurs when proteolytic enzymes are activated in the pancreas rather than in the intestinal lumen. Increased levels of serum amylase and lipase establish the diagnosis of acute pancreatitis. Aim of the study was to determine the ratio of serum lipase to serum amylase (L/A) in alcoholic and nonalcoholic pancreatitis patients on the basis of age, sex and etiological factors in north Indian population. The mean lipase/amylase (L/A) ratio (3.78±1.29) was significantly higher in group A (alcoholic acute pancreatitis) compare (non-alcoholic) group B (1.45±0.86). The mean lipase (2368.27±795.83 U/L) levels are significantly higher in severe acute pancreatitis, and the mean amylase (631.10±383.37 U/L) levels are significantly lower in severe acute pancreatitis. The mean lipase/amylase ratio (4.17±1.27 U/L) levels are significantly higher in severe acute pancreatitis. The alcoholic acute pancreatitis patients (N=60; 40.25±12.31 years) were significantly younger than those with non-alcoholic (N=90; 47.36±16.02 years). The lipase/amylase ratio is a good predictor factor and is useful in distinguishing acute episode of alcoholic from non-alcoholic acute pancreatitis. It may useful in predicting the severity of acute pancreatitis.