My Daughter (23) Has Low Amylase (20) And Lipase (24) But Negative Ultrasound And She Has Had Some Back Discomfort And Fatigue As Well. Nurse Suggested Possible Pancreatitis What To Do?

Posted on Tue, 7 Aug 2018

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Tue, 7 Aug 2018 Answered on

Mon, 23 Jan 2023 Last reviewed on

Question : my daughter (23) has low amylase (20) and lipase (24) but negative ultrasound.she stopped truvada about 2.5 weeks ago.now doc suggests ct scan and i wonder why

Follow up: Dr. Ramesh Kumar (18 minutes later)

she has had some back discomfort and fatigue as well. nurse suggested possible pancreatitis but doesnt seem to match blood results.

Answered by Dr. Ramesh Kumar (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Liver functions test to be done.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Truvada is an anti retroviral medication which is metabolized by liver.
As amylase and lipase are normal it can't be pancreatitis. Most likely the issue is related to liver.
Was a liver function test done on your daughter?
She should go for a LFT test.

She was probably prescribed a CT because it would give a clear and specific picture of full abdomen.
If any thing is wrong with any abdominal organ it would be reflected in CT abdomen.
Thats why your doctor may suggest you to go for CT but a liver function test must be done.

Hope i was helpful.
Follow up are welcome.
Thanks!

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Ramesh Kumar (31 minutes later)

she was told her amylase and lipase were low so pancreatitis was a possible issue. i will see if her liver was tested but her nurse thought low amylase and lipase may be pancreatitis

Answered by Dr. Ramesh Kumar (3 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
follow up.

Detailed Answer:
Hello again mam,
In any inflammation level of enzymes would rapidly increase in blood.So if its pancreatitis the level of amylase and lipase would increase drastically.
Thanks!

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Ramesh Kumar (18 minutes later)

i see. so what should be investigated further with low amylase and lipase numbers

Answered by Dr. Ramesh Kumar (9 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
follow up.

Detailed Answer:
Hello again,
Firstly go for a liver function test mam.
Follow up with reports.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj