Predictive value of serum amylase level in outcome of multiple trauma patients

Introduction: The early detection of injury in multiple trauma patients can lead to decreased mortality, length of stay, and improved clinical status of the patient. It is shown that there is a relation between increased level of serum amylase and pancreatic injury in trauma patients. The aim of this study is to evaluate serum amylase level in hospital outcomes of patients with abdominal blunt trauma. Methods: This study was a cross-sectional survey that was conducted at the emergency room of Imam Reza (AS) Medical and Educational Center in Tabriz, Iran, during a year (April 2014-April 2015) on 101 patients with blunt abdominal trauma. Serum amylase levels were measured 6 hours after injury. The outcome of patients during hospitalization including the need for laparotomy and mortality were followed. Data were analyzed by SPSS software. P < 0.050 was considered significant. Results: A significant relationship between elevated serum amylase level by laparotomy and mortality was observed (P < 0.001). 15 patients had serum amylase higher than 100 U/L. All patients with abnormal serum amylase died. Conclusion: Determination of serum amylase level can be valuable in the prognosis of patients with blunt abdominal trauma, especially in determining mortality and proceed to laparotomy. However, studies with larger research community are required to investigate the precise role of amylase in the diagnosis and prognosis of patients with blunt abdominal trauma.