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Studies on intestinal malabsorption in chronic pancreatitis.
Gastroenterologia Japonica
|January 1, 1976
Summary
Malabsorption is common in chronic pancreatitis, affecting 33% of patients with increased fecal fat and 47% with low carotene levels. Pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy is crucial for managing malabsorption in these patients.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Digestive Physiology
Background:
- Chronic pancreatitis, both calcific and noncalcific, presents significant challenges in assessing pancreatic exocrine function.
- Understanding the extent and nature of malabsorption is critical for effective patient management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the exocrine functions of the pancreas in patients with chronic pancreatitis using various diagnostic tests.
- To determine the prevalence of malabsorption and its correlation with pancreatic function parameters.
Main Methods:
- Pancreozymin-secretin (PS) test and intestinal absorption tests were conducted on 21 patients with chronic calcific pancreatitis and 32 with chronic noncalcific pancreatitis.
- Evaluated parameters included fecal fat excretion, serum carotene levels, D-xylose tolerance, and Schilling test results.
Main Results:
- Increased fecal fat excretion was observed in 33% of chronic pancreatitis patients (47% calcific, 25% noncalcific).
- Low serum carotene levels were found in 44% (67% calcific, 27% noncalcific).
- Severe exocrine insufficiency correlated with increased fecal fat, decreased amylase output, and reduced bicarbonate concentration; fecal fat correlated significantly with bicarbonate concentration.
Conclusions:
- Malabsorption, indicated by increased fecal fat and low serum carotene, is a significant issue in chronic pancreatitis.
- Combined antacid and pancreatic extract therapy appears essential for managing malabsorption in chronic pancreatitis.