Hyperamylasaemia in ruptured aortic aneurysm: Incidence and prognostic implications

Abstract

Abstract A study was carried out to determine the incidence of increased serum amylase activity in patients with ruptured aortic aneurysm during the 48 h after presentation and to assess its clinical significance. In a prospective series of 25 patients, hyperamylasaemia occurred in ten and was significantly associated with poor outcome (P=0·005). In patients who died or had a major complication, serum amylase activity was significantly higher than in those who had an uncomplicated postoperative recovery (P<0·05). There was a correlation between preoperative serum amylase activity and length of stay in the intensive care unit after operation (rs=0·78 (95 per cent confidence interval 0·54–0·90), P<0·002). Serum amylase activity may be useful as a prognostic indicator in patients with ruptured aortic aneurysm.