Case Study: Amylase Estimation for the Diagnosis of Pancreatitis and Parotitis

Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas. The pancreas is a large gland behind the stomach and close to the duodenumthe first part of the small intestine. The pancreas secretes digestive juices, or enzymes, into the duodenum through a tube called the pancreatic duct. Pancreatic enzymes join with bilea liquid produced in the liver and stored in the gallbladderto digest food. The pancreas also releases the hormones insulin and glucagon into the bloodstream. These hormones help the body regulate the glucose it takes from food for energy. Normally, digestive enzymes secreted by the pancreas do not become active until they reach the small intestine. But when the pancreas is inflamed, the enzymes inside it attack and damage the tissues that produce them. Pancreatitis can be acute or chronic. Either form is serious and can lead to complications. In severe cases, bleeding, infection, and permanent tissue damage may occur.200 patients of all age group clinically diagnosed as pancreatitis and parotitis were studied during my study 100 from IPD and 100 from OPD. Serum amylase levels were measured by fully automatic clinical biochemistry analyzer (DIRUI CS-400. Pancreatitis was seen most in adults and parotitis were seen in children.