Elastase in Serum

Elastase is an enzyme produced in the pancreas and released into the duodenum. The active digestive enzyme cleaves elastin (structural protein).
In acute pancreatitis, elastase enters the serum through a barrier defect, leading to an increase.

Serum elastase is a specific marker of acute pancreatitis.

The procedure

Material needed

  • Blood serum

Preparation of the patient

  • Not necessary

Disruptive factors

  • Not known

Standard values

Standard values in mg/ml < 3,5

Indications

  • Suspected pancreatitis, acute/chronic.
  • Unclear abdominal pain in children

Interpretation

Interpretation of increased values

Further notes

  • In addition, the elastase in the stool should also be determined