Zeitschrift für Gastroenterologie
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Elevated serum lipase and amylase are often observed in IBD patients (Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis) without clinical symptoms of a pancreatitis. The intention of this prospective study is to evaluate the frequency of elevated serum lipase and amylase with these patients and to try to explain this phenomenon in consideration of the existing literature. ⋯ An asymptomatic elevation of lipase/amylase in IBD patients is not infrequent (14 %). The increase of lipase or amylase, without typical symptoms, makes a pancreatitis with a required therapy unlikely. A specific pancreatitis therapy is not necessary in these cases. The therapy should be guided by the requirements of the IBD therapy.