ABSTRACT
Object: Our aim is to evaluate the elevation of pancreatic
enzymes in COVID-19 patients and their relationship with severity of
COVID-19.
Method: In this study, 1378 patients with COVID-19 infection
were included. Relation of elevated amylase and lipase levels and
co-morbid conditions with the severity of COVID-19 were checked. The
effect of hemodynamic parameters and organ failures on pancreatic
enzymes and their relations with prognosis were statistically analyzed.
Results: There were 678 (%49,2) female patients and 700
(50,8%) male patients. Of all patients, 687 (49,9%) had mild, 691
(50,1%) severe COVID-19 infections. Elevated amylase levels were
detected in 23% of patients (n:316). 19% (261) of them had a slight
(1-3 times) increase in amylase levels, while 4% (55) had a more than 3
times increase in amylase than normal. Only 6% of patients with
elevated amylase leves had the acute pancreatitis according to Atlanta
criteria. According to univariate and multivariate analyses, elevated
amylase levels was found statistically related with severity of COVID-19
(OR:4,37-p <0,001). And also diabetes mellitus (DM)
(OR:1,82-p:0,001), kidney failure (OR:5,18- p< 0,001), liver
damage (OR:6,63 p < 0,001), hypotension (OR:6,86-p<
0,001), sepsis (OR:6,20-p:0.008) were found to related to death of
COVID-19.
Conclusions: Elevated pancreatic enzyme levels in COVID-19
infections is to related to severity of COVID-19 infection and
hemodynamic instability. Similar to other organs, the pancreas can be
affected by severe COVID-19 infection.
Key Words: COVID-19, Pancreas, Amylase