Which enzyme is typically elevated earliest after the onset of acute pancreatitis?

Which enzyme is typically elevated earliest after the onset of acute pancreatitis?

• A. Lipase
• B. Amylase
• C. ALT
• D. AST

Answer: (B)

In acute pancreatitis, the first sign in the blood is typically an early rise of a pancreatic enzyme because damaged acinar cells spill enzymes into the circulation quickly. Amylase is usually the earliest to elevate, often within about 6–12 hours after symptoms begin, peaks around 24 hours, and returns to normal within 3–5 days. Lipase can rise soon as well, but it tends to rise a little later and stay elevated longer. ALT and AST are liver enzymes and are not early indicators of pancreatitis unless there’s concurrent liver involvement or biliary obstruction. So, amylase is the best choice for the earliest enzyme rise.

In acute pancreatitis, the first sign in the blood is typically an early rise of a pancreatic enzyme because damaged acinar cells spill enzymes into the circulation quickly. Amylase is usually the earliest to elevate, often within about 6–12 hours after symptoms begin, peaks around 24 hours, and returns to normal within 3–5 days. Lipase can rise soon as well, but it tends to rise a little later and stay elevated longer. ALT and AST are liver enzymes and are not early indicators of pancreatitis unless there’s concurrent liver involvement or biliary obstruction. So, amylase is the best choice for the earliest enzyme rise.