Lipase elevation in pancreatitis remains high for about how long before normalization?

• A. 1-3 days
• B. 3-5 days
• C. 7-14 days
• D. 21-28 days

Answer: (C)

Lipase stays elevated longer after pancreatic injury because it has a longer circulating half-life and continues to be released as pancreatic tissue is damaged. This means levels typically remain high for about 7–14 days before returning to normal. Amylase, by contrast, often normalizes faster, in roughly 3–5 days. In some more severe or prolonged cases, lipase can stay elevated a bit longer, but the common timeframe is 7–14 days.