Condition
Macroamylasemia
Gerald Hurowitz, M.D.Published 25 April 20051 min read
Key points
- 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.
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.
Written and revised by
Gerald Hurowitz, M.D.
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