In acute pancreatitis, a significant increase in which serum enzyme would be expected diagnostically?

• A. Creatine kinase
• B. Amylase
• C. Alkaline phosphatase
• D. Aspartate aminotransferase

Answer: (B)

Pancreatic injury in acute pancreatitis releases digestive enzymes into the bloodstream, so a rise in serum amylase is a key diagnostic signal. Amylase increases early, usually within a few hours, peaks around 24 hours, and typically returns to normal within a few days. This timing makes it a practical marker when pancreatitis is suspected clinically. The other enzymes listed aren’t specific indicators of pancreatitis: creatine kinase reflects muscle damage, alkaline phosphatase points to bone turnover or cholestasis, and aspartate aminotransferase signals liver or other tissue injury rather than pancreatic injury. Lipase, not shown here, can be even more specific and remains elevated longer, but with the given options, amylase elevation is the expected diagnostic finding.