Association between pancreatic lipase levels and coronavirus disease 2019

Authors : Canan Akkuş, Sanem Kayhan, Hakan Yılmaz, Hakan Demirci, Ilhan Karanlık, Cevdet Duran

Pages : 185-191

Doi:10.32322/jhsm.1412910

View : 43 | Download : 66

Publication Date : 2024-03-25

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :Aims: Elevated pancreatic enzyme can be observed in the course of coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) due to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). Here, we aimed to determine the frequency of lipase elevation in the course of COVID-19 and examine its effect on disease outcomes. Methods: Of 42742 patients with the positivity of SARS-CoV-2 reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction test (RT-PCR), 3167 undergoing lipase tests were included. The relationship between patients’ clinical features, development of acute pancreatitis (AP), and mortality rates was investigated. Results: Higher lipase levels than normal limits were found in 399 (12.6%) patients. Lipase levels were three times higher than the normal limit in 119 (3.8%) patients; compared to the rest of the patients, patients’ age (62.8±17.9 vs 52.1±17.9 years, p<0.001), and rates of male patients (58% vs 45%, p=0.006) and mortality (17.6% vs 8%, p=0.001 respectively) were higher. Thirty-two (1.01%) patients were diagnosed with acute pancreatitis (AP). As lipase levels elevated, hospitalization (p<0.001) and requirement for intensive care unit (p=0.002) also increased. A total of 264 (8.3%) patients died, and mortality rates were higher in males (11% vs 6%, p<0.001). The dead were older (72.0±12.3 years vs 50.7±17.4 years, p<0.001). There was a linear positive correlation between patients’ age (p<0.001), lipase levels (p<0.001), and mortality. Mortality was increased among men and in the presence of AP (p<0.001). Conclusion: Pancreatic enzyme levels should be measured in the course of COVID-19 due to increased mortality in patients of advanced age, males with AP, and high lipase levels.
Keywords : Coronavirus disease 2019, COVID 19, lipase, pancreas, pancreatitis, SARS CoV 2