Nonspecific hyperamylasemia and hyperlipasemia in diabetic ketoacidosis: incidence and correlation with biochemical abnormalities

In DKA nonspecific elevations of amylase and lipase occur in 16-25% of cases. Amylase elevation is correlated with pH and serum osmolality, but lipase elevation is correlated with serum osmolality alone. Diagnosis of AP based soley on elevated amylase or lipase, even > 3 times normal, is not justifiable.