Elevated amylase and lipase levels in patients with DKA followed in the pediatric intensive care unit

Abstract

Abstract Objectives Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a life-threatening acute metabolic decompensation condition due to insulin deficiency and elevation of pancreatic enzymes is common. The goal of this study was to determine the laboratory findings and biochemical characteristics associated with pancreatic enzyme elevation during DKA. Methods The files of patients hospitalized in the pediatric intensive care unit with the diagnosis of DKA between March 2020 and 2022 were reviewed retrospectively. Demographic data, length of stay at hospital, initial biochemistry, hemogram, blood gas values, amylase, and lipase in the first 24 h were noted. Those with elevated amylase and/or lipase values were grouped. Patients were grouped according to the severity of DKA. These groups were analyzed statistically. Results Amylase and/or lipase were found to be elevated in 21 (28%) of diagnosed with DKA. pH and HCO3 were significantly lower, length of stay in the intensive care unit, and triglyceride levels were significantly higher in patients with high amylase and/or lipase when compared with the control group (p<0.05). Although lipase values have a negative correlation with blood gas parameters and a positive correlation with TG and cholesterol values, correlation degree was found to be weak (p<0.05). Lipase was significantly higher in the severe diabetic ketoacidosis group than the moderate group (p<0.001). Conclusions Elevations in amylase and lipase values can be encountered frequently in patients with DKA. Considering that the metabolic deterioration due to DKA may have an effect on this, we recommend that the patient should be followed closely and the enzyme level should be monitored intermittently.