A 45-year-old man with acute pancreatitis has serum amylase 1800 U/L. Which of the following best distinguishes serum lipase from serum amylase as a marker in this condition?

• A Lipase remains elevated for a longer duration (up to 14 days) and is more pancreas-specific than amylase ✓
• B Lipase rises earlier (within 2 hours) and is more specific for the pancreas than amylase
• C Lipase is cleared exclusively by the kidney and correlates with GFR, making it superior in renal failure
• D Lipase is elevated in mumps parotitis, making it a better marker than amylase

Explanation

Serum lipase is more specific for pancreatitis than amylase because lipase is produced almost exclusively by pancreatic acinar cells; amylase also comes from salivary glands, fallopian tubes, and other sources. Lipase remains elevated for up to 14 days versus 3–5 days for amylase, aiding late diagnosis. Both amylase and lipase rise within 4–8 hours, not 2 hours. Lipase is not a specific renal marker.

Reference: Harper's Illustrated Biochemistry, 32nd ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.