Macroamylasemia
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.
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