Advances in the use of biochemical and molecular markers for the diagnosis of acute pancreatitis: a literature review

Abstract

Introduction: Acute pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas caused by the activation of its enzymes, this pathology presents several etiologies, the main ones being biliary obstruction, alcoholism, and hypertriglyceridemia. The diagnostic picture is based on three specific criteria: intense epigastric pain, serum amylase/lipase levels higher than three times their normal limit and imaging tests compatible with acute pancreatitis. The biochemical markers amylase, serum lipase, urinary amylase and urinary trypsinogen-2 help in the diagnosis, as each of them provide valuable information that contributes to a clear view of the pathology. So far, no molecular marker has been found that contributes significantly to the patient's evaluation, considering that for a correct diagnosis it is necessary to use imaging studies. Objective: Describe the biochemical and molecular markers for the diagnosis of acute pancreatitis. Methodology: Documentary, descriptive and retrospective study of current and updated studies. Conclusion: Acute pancreatitis if not diagnosed and treated in time can lead to systemic inflammation and death. The best biochemical markers for diagnosis are serum amylase and lipase since they have high sensitivity and specificity. For a correct diagnosis it is necessary to correlate serum amylase and lipase levels with symptoms, especially severe pain in the epigastrium, and necessarily with imaging tests.