Analysis of serum catalase activities in pancreatic diseases

Background Active oxygen species are thought to be involved in the exacerbation of acute pancreatitis. Therefore, it would be reasonable to speculate that the activity of catalase is increased in the severe form of acute pancreatitis. The aim of the present study was to diagnose the severity of acute pancreatitis, using catalase activity, and to examine the usefulness of this measurement for this diagnosis. Methods. Catalase could be measured quickly in 87 patients with pancreatic disease, using automatic analyzers, and using kits based on UV rate assay methods. Results. In pancreatic disease, catalase activity was higher in acute pancreatitis, particularly in the early stage of the disease. It could be used to diagnose the severity of acute pancreatitis almost as early as the criteria of the Japanese Ministry of Health and Welfare (MHW). When we set 330 U/I as the cutoff value, its sensitivity of diagnosis was 76.9% in the first 4 days of the disease and its specificity was 100%. Conclusions. As catalase activity can be measured quickly using automatic analyzers, serum catalase activity is useful for evaluation of the severity of acute pancreatitis.