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Evaluation of pancreatic functions in cases of primary and secondary malnutrition

Mahmut E Tuluce1, Adnan Barutcu2, Sibel Yavuz1

  • 1Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Cukurova University Medical Faculty, Adana, Turkey.

Minerva Pediatrics
|November 13, 2020
PubMed

Insights

Fecal elastase-1 (FE-1) levels were significantly lower in children with primary and secondary malnutrition, as well as cystic fibrosis and celiac disease, compared to healthy children. This suggests pancreatic dysfunction may occur in malnutrition, potentially benefiting from enzyme support.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Gastroenterology
  • Nutritional Science
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Malnutrition impacts various bodily functions, including pancreatic exocrine function.
  • Assessing pancreatic function is crucial for managing pediatric malnutrition.
  • Fecal elastase-1 (FE-1) is a reliable marker for pancreatic exocrine function.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate pancreatic function in children with primary and secondary malnutrition using FE-1 levels.
  • To compare FE-1 levels in malnourished children with a healthy control group.
  • To explore the potential role of pancreatic enzyme insufficiency in malnutrition.

Main Methods:

  • Investigated fecal elastase-1 (FE-1) levels in stool specimens.
  • Included 139 malnourished children (primary malnutrition, cystic fibrosis, celiac disease, other secondary malnutrition) and 23 healthy children.
  • Analyzed demographic and laboratory data, comparing FE-1 levels across groups.

Main Results:

  • FE-1 levels were significantly lower in children with cystic fibrosis, primary malnutrition, celiac disease, and other secondary malnutrition compared to the control group.
  • This indicates impaired pancreatic exocrine function in these conditions.
  • The findings highlight a potential link between malnutrition and pancreatic insufficiency.

Conclusions:

  • Pancreatic exocrine dysfunction is evident in children with primary and secondary malnutrition, similar to cystic fibrosis and celiac disease.
  • Pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy may be beneficial for children with malnutrition-associated pancreatic failure.
  • This study underscores the importance of assessing pancreatic function in malnourished children.
Abstract

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