title: Hyperamylasaemia in ruptured aortic aneurysm: incidence and prognostic implications.
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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Vascular Surgery, Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, Foresterhill, UK.
authors.forename: J S
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Bagley
authors.forename: M P
authors.initials: MP
authors.lastname: Tyler
authors.forename: G G
authors.initials: GG
authors.lastname: Cooper
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000681:Amylases / Q000097:blood* / Q000378:metabolism; D001019:Aortic Rupture / Q000097:blood* / Q000201:enzymology / Q000401:mortality; D003422:Critical Care; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007902:Length of Stay; D008297:Male; D011379:Prognosis; D011446:Prospective Studies
chemical_list: D000681:Amylases