Q: Serial serum lipase testing after the initial diagnostic workup for inpatients with acute pancreatitis: What is the evidence

A 35-year-old male with no significant medical history presented to the hospital with acute epigastric pain radiating to his back. Workup revealed a serum lipase of 518 U/L (reference range 0–160 U/L), and computed tomography of the abdomen showed peripancreatic fat-stranding. He does not drink alcohol or take any medications, and the workup was negative for gallstones and hypertriglyceridemia. He was diagnosed with acute idiopathic pancreatitis and admitted to the hospital for management. He received early enteral feeding, intravenous fluid resuscitation, and opioid analgesia for pain control. His pain gradually improved and he was tolerating oral intake. A repeat serum lipase level on hospital day 3 was elevated at 609 U/L. Does this repeat serum lipase value have a role in guiding further clinical decisions?