INTRODUCTION:
COVID-19 infection, which was initially thought to affect only the upper respiratory tracts, can affect almost all systems, not just the respiratory system. This is due to the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE 2) receptors, which coronavirus binds in to enter the cells. These receptors are also commonly available in the gastrointestinal system such as liver, pancreatic, colonic cells. 1-2
Recent studies have shown that COVID-19 infection can cause damage to the pancreas due to the high expression of ACE2 receptors from the pancreatic tissue. 3 Additionally, it has been stated in another study that hyperglycemia can occur due to pancreatic islet cell damage in patients with COVID-19 and severe patients with COVID-19 should be followed up closely in terms of pancreatic damage.4-5
In this study, we evaluated the amylase and lipase elevations in patients with COVID-19. And additionally, we aim to research the relation between pancreatic enzyme elevations and severity of COVID-19 infection and to identify underlying conditions.