Lipase Elevation in Patients with COVID-19

Abstract

Although coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has been associated with gastrointestinal manifestations, its effect on the pancreas remains unclear. We aimed to assess the frequency and characteristics of hyperlipasemia in patients with COVID-19.METHODS:A retrospective cohort study of hospitalized patients across 6 US centers with COVID-19.RESULTS:Of 71 patients, 9 (12.1%) developed hyperlipasemia, with 2 (2.8%) greater than 3 times upper limit of normal. No patient developed acute pancreatitis. Hyperlipasemia was not associated with poor outcomes or symptoms.DISCUSSION:Although a mild elevation in serum lipase was observed in some patients with COVID-19, clinical acute pancreatitis was not seen.