1088. Diastase in urine

Urine α-amylase (diastase) is an enzymatic test that determines the activity of the enzyme α-amylase, which is secreted primarily by the pancreas and salivary glands and helps break down carbohydrates in the body. Urine amylase testing is typically performed to diagnose pancreatitis, inflammation of the pancreas, and to evaluate mumps.

Amylase is an enzyme produced by the pancreas and salivary glands. Small amounts of amylase are also produced in the ovaries, intestines, bronchi, and skeletal muscles. Amylase activity in infants during the first two months of life is low, and it only increases to adult levels by the end of the first year.

From the pancreas, pancreatic juice passes through the pancreatic duct into the duodenum, where it aids in the digestion of food. Within pancreatic juice, amylase plays a role in breaking down complex carbohydrates into simpler sugars, lipase breaks down fats, and proteases break down proteins. The amylase molecule is so small that it can pass through the renal barrier and be excreted in the urine. Normally, only a small amount of amylase circulates in the bloodstream (via cell renewal in the salivary and pancreatic glands) and is excreted in the urine. In pancreatitis or when the pancreatic duct is blocked by stones or a tumor, amylase begins to leak into the bloodstream in large quantities, and then into the urine. Typically, urine amylase activity corresponds to blood amylase levels, but it rises and then declines over a 6-10 hour delay. After acute pancreatitis, urine amylase activity can remain elevated for up to 7-10 days, unlike blood amylase, which typically returns to normal within 2-4 days.

This enzyme is also secreted by the salivary glands, whose ducts open into the oral cavity. Therefore, its activity in urine may also be elevated in the presence of salivary gland pathologies.

This test is used to assess pancreatic function and diagnose conditions that may affect the pancreas or other organs of the digestive system.

When?

• For acute abdominal pain, especially in the epigastric region.
• To diagnose the condition of the pancreas (in acute and chronic pancreatitis).
• To monitor treatment of pancreatic pathology.
• To monitor treatment of pancreatic cancer.
• To determine kidney function (comparing amylase activity in the blood and urine).
• To determine salivary gland function. In some cases, the test can also help diagnose disorders affecting the salivary glands.
• To assess renal excretion with elevated amylase levels in the blood.

Who should use it?

• For patients with symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, fever, and severe abdominal pain.
• Persons who abuse alcohol, have a history of gallstones, or have had pancreatitis.
• Patients with diabetes, renal failure, or pancreatic cancer.

• Urine