Amylase and lipase values in normal subjects

Abstract

In 146 hospitalized individuals (71 men and 75 women), the simultaneous fasting serum amylase and lipase concentrations and the urinary amylase excretion per 24 h were determined. Patients with pancreatic abnormalities or other diseases which might produce abnormal enzyme values were ruled out from this study. Age and sex were found not to influence the parameters under investigation. The various parameters failed to show a distinct correlation. The renal amylase clearance was calculated for the individuals, and the frequency distribution is presented. In 10 normal subjects, the postprandial 3-h urinary amylase excretion was found not to differ from the preprandial value. In 10 normal subjects, the course of the 24-h urinary amylase excretion showed no distinct rhythm. The urinary amylase excretion per 24 h probably constitutes a more reliable parameter than the excretion during a brief period of collection or the fasting amylase concentration.