Use of amylase isoenzymes in laboratory evaluation of hyperamylasemia.

Amylase isoenzyme analysis by agarose gel electrophoresis and lipase concentration by radioimmunoassay were performed in 98 consecutive hyperamylasemic patients. Total pancreatic (P-type) isoamylase was elevated in 89% of patients with clinical evidence of pancreatitis, and in only 11% of those without pancreatitis. Of 43 patients in whom the clinical diagnosis was obscure, 44% demonstrated an increase in pancreatic amylase and three (7%) had an increase in salivary (S-type) amylase.

Pancreatic enzymes in chronic renal failure.

Serum was obtained from 55 patients, including 43 with stable chronic renal failure (CRF) (28 receiving chronic hemodialysis [CHD] and 15 receiving chronic ambulatory peritoneal dialysis [CAPD]), nine with peritonitis receiving CAPD, and three with pancreatitis receiving CAPD. Total serum amylase activity, lipase activity, isoamylase fractionation, and lipase concentration were used to measure pancreatic enzymes. Amylase activity was increased in 35 of 43 patients with CRF but was greater than threefold elevated in only three.

Efficacy of primidone in essential tremor.

Primidone, 50 to 1,000 mg/d, reduced the amplitude of essential tremor in both untreated and propranolol-treated patients. Low doses were as effective as high doses. Primidone decreased tremor more than propranolol.