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Macroamylasemia

Definition:

Macroamylasemia is a condition in which macroamylase builds up in the blood.

Amylase is an enzyme that is filtered out of the blood by the kidneys. Macroamylase is a larger molecule consisting of amylase bound to a protein (an autoantibody). Unlike amylase, macroamylase is filtered very slowly from the blood by the kidneys. Having macroamylasemia causes an elevated amylase blood level reading.

Macroamylasemia has been associated with:

  • celiac disease
  • ulcerative colitis
  • rheumatoid arthritis
  • lymphoma
  • HIV infection
  • monoclonal gammopathy

Approximately 1 percent of the population has macroamylasemia.



Review Date: 4/18/2003
Reviewed By: Andrew J. Muir, M.D., M.H.S., Division of Gastroenterology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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