Which laboratory findings would you expect to see in a patient with pancreatitis?

In a patient with pancreatitis, the expected laboratory findings typically include an elevation in white blood cell (WBC) count, along with elevated levels of amylase and lipase. These enzymes are secreted by the pancreas, and their increased levels in the bloodstream signify pancreatic inflammation or damage. Amylase levels may rise within a few hours after the onset of pancreatitis, and lipase levels can remain elevated for a longer period, making them a more specific marker for pancreatic injury.

The elevation of WBCs is indicative of the inflammatory response that occurs during pancreatitis. Inflammation due to pancreatic injury often leads to leukocytosis, which is the body’s response to the stress and potential infection associated with the condition.

Other laboratory findings that can be observed in pancreatitis may include electrolyte imbalances and metabolic changes, but the combination of elevated WBCs, amylase, and lipase is particularly characteristic of the condition diagnosis.