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Exocrine pancreatic function in chronic urticaria patients is normal
A Barba1, D Schena, G C Chieregato
1Department of Dermatology, University of Verona, Italy.
Dermatologica
|January 1, 1988
Summary
This study investigated pancreatic enzyme function in chronic urticaria patients. Results indicate no significant pancreatic deficiency linked to chronic urticaria, even with dietary improvements.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Dermatology
- Immunology
Background:
- Chronic urticaria is a complex condition with various potential triggers.
- Dietary factors are often suspected in chronic urticaria, leading to investigations into gastrointestinal function.
- Pancreatic exocrine insufficiency can cause maldigestion, potentially impacting systemic health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess pancreatic enzyme secretion in patients with chronic urticaria suspected of having an alimentary origin.
- To determine if pancreatic exocrine dysfunction is associated with chronic urticaria unresponsive to standard dietary interventions.
Main Methods:
- Studied 25 patients with chronic urticaria and suspected alimentary origin.
- Assessed pancreatic enzyme secretion using fecal chymotrypsin levels.
- Utilized bentiromide (para-aminobenzoic acid - PABA) and pancreolauryl tests (both fecal and urinary).
Main Results:
- All patients exhibited normal fecal chymotrypsin excretion.
- 23 out of 25 patients showed normal results on both fecal bentiromide (PABA) and pancreolauryl tests.
- Two female patients had borderline abnormal urinary PABA and pancreolauryl test results.
Conclusions:
- The findings do not support a hypothesis linking chronic urticaria to pancreatic enzyme deficiencies identifiable by the methods used.
- Pancreatic exocrine function appears normal in most chronic urticaria patients, even those improving on restricted diets.
- Further research may be needed to explore other potential gastrointestinal or systemic factors in chronic urticaria.