Abstract

ABSTRACT: The objective of this study was to determine the effect(s) of pregnancy and of advancing gestation on maternal serum amylase and lipase levels. Thus, serum amylase and lipase concentrations were quantitated in three groups of women. Groups included (1) 118 pregnant women whose serum amylase and lipase levels were measured once at various gestational ages ranging from 5 to 40 weeks, (2) 35 women comprising a multisampled patient cohort whose levels were measured sequentially at regular intervals throughout their pregnancy, and (3) 20 nonpregnant women of reproductive age whose levels were measured once. Results were statistically analyzed and trends in serum protein profiles with advancing gestation were charted. No significant differences were detected in either serum amylase or lipase concentrations as a result of pregnancy, nor were progressive changes noted with advancing gestation in either once-sampled or multisampled populations of pregnant patients. Therefore, contrary to the conclusions reached in some previous reports, no effects of pregnancy or of advancing gestation on maternal serum protein profiles were detected.