What is Macroamylasemia?

When there is macroamylase in the blood, an abnormal substance, it is called macroamylasemia. It consists of anylase, an enzyme, that is attached to a protein and is slowly filtered by the kidneys. While there can be this condition without an underlying disorder, some conditions that can cause this include ulcerative colitits, lymphoma, celiac disease, HIV, rheumatoid arthritis, and monoclonal gammopathy. There are no symptoms.

Diagnosis

Since a blood test for high levels of amylase can be indicative of both macromylasemia and acute pancreatitis, measuring levels in the urine can help with a diagnosis. Urine levels of amylase are low in macroamylasemia but will still be high in those with acute pancreatitis.

Treatment

Typically, when the condition is found, treatment will consist of treating the underlying condition or disorder. Depending on what condition is the cause, there can be medications, lifestyle changes, surgery, and other therapies. Lifestyle changes can include diet and exercising.

Amylase is an enzyme that works in making starch into smaller carb groups and eventually into monosaccharides. For healthy people, all serum amylase is found to be produced from salivary glands and pancreas. Normal percentages are 55 percent to 60 percent from the salivary glands and 40 percent to 45 percent from the pancreas, according to Medscape. In those with acute pancreatitis or macromylasemia, these percentages are skewed and imbalanced. Serum amylase is the best indicative to these two conditions, in both urine and blood testing.

Source: A.D.A.M., Medscape