pacreatitis lab values

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Hi, I am looking over lab values for a pt with acute pancreatitis. In addition to the amylase and lipase being elevated, so were the NA, BUN, CL, ALT and AST. I am trying to figure out why these are high and I cant seem to find anything in my book. I was hypothosizing that since the pt was dehydrated that may be why the BUN is high but then I read that elevated NA and CL indicate excess fluid?? And I am trying to link the high liver enzymes with pancreatitis..... Can anyone put me on the right track to figuring this out? Thanks!

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Specializes in med/surg, telemetry, IV therapy, mgmt.

there is inflammation and tissue destruction occurring in the pancreas and all the products of this activity are being dumped out through the kidneys. the alt and ast are evidence of the tissue destruction going on in the pancreas and adjacent tissues.

why does the patient have pancreatitis? is there alcoholism involved? is there liver pathology going on as well? any related hypertension? heart disease? is the patient a smoker?

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Thank you very much...the link to the website is appreciated!!!!!!!

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Specializes in CTICU.

BUN, Na and Cl are generally elevated due to dehydration, not fluid overload (if there's too much fluid they get diluted and appear lower).

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