In acute pancreatitis, amylase typically peaks at approximately how many hours after onset?

• A. 2-12 h
• B. 24 h
• C. 48-72 h
• D. 96-120 h

Answer: (B)

In acute pancreatitis, the enzyme amylase rises early and reaches its highest level about a day after symptoms begin. It typically increases within 2–12 hours, peaks around 24 hours, and then falls back toward normal over the next few days. So the time that best matches the peak is about 24 hours after onset. The earlier 2–12 hours is when the rise starts, while 48–72 hours and 96–120 hours are well after the peak when levels would be declining.