Lipase (Serum)
Lipase levels in pregnancy are generally similar to nonpregnant ranges. Mild increases may be seen with hyperemesis gravidarum or hepatic disease, but significant elevation requires prompt evaluation for acute pancreatitis.
| Units | Nonpregnant Adult | 1st Trimester | 2nd Trimester | 3rd Trimester |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| U/L | 0 – 160 | 0 – 104 | 0 – 140 | 5 – 148 |
| µkat/L | 0 – 2.7 | 0 – 1.7 | 0 – 2.3 | 0.1 – 2.5 |
Causes of LOW Lipase
- Chronic pancreatitis with reduced enzyme production
- End-stage pancreatic insufficiency (e.g., cystic fibrosis)
- Hemodilution of pregnancy
- Severe hypertriglyceridemia causing assay interference
Causes of HIGH Lipase in pregnancy
- Acute pancreatitis — gallstone-related or hypertriglyceridemia-induced
- Gallstone pancreatitis (increased biliary stasis late in pregnancy)
- Hypertriglyceridemia-induced pancreatitis
- Renal failure (reduced lipase clearance)
- Acute hepatitis or biliary obstruction
- Hyperemesis gravidarum (mild elevation without pancreatitis)
References
- Kratz A, Ferraro M, Sluss PM, Lewandrowski KB. N Engl J Med. 2004.
- Karsenti D, Bacq Y, et al. Am J Gastroenterol. 2001.
- Pitchumoni CS. Pancreatitis in pregnancy. Pancreas. 1993.
- Eddy JJ et al. Obstet Gynecol. 2008.
- Berglund L. JCEM. 2012.
- Riely CA. Liver disease in pregnancy. N Engl J Med. 1999.