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Fecal chymotrypsin levels in children with pancreatic insufficiency

C de Pedro, R Codoceo, P Vazquez

    Clinical Biochemistry
    |December 1, 1986
    PubMed

    Insights

    Fecal chymotrypsin (FC) levels can diagnose cystic fibrosis of the pancreas (CFP). This test effectively differentiates CFP from other pancreatic insufficiency causes in children.

    Area of Science:

    • Pediatric Gastroenterology
    • Clinical Chemistry
    • Diagnostic Biomarkers

    Background:

    • Pancreatic disorders in children present diagnostic challenges.
    • Accurate differentiation is crucial for appropriate treatment and management.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To evaluate the diagnostic utility of fecal chymotrypsin (FC) levels.
    • To determine if FC levels can distinguish cystic fibrosis of the pancreas (CFP) from other conditions causing pancreatic insufficiency.

    Main Methods:

    • A commercial colorimetric assay was used to measure 24-hour fecal chymotrypsin levels.
    • 82 children with various pancreatic disorders and 48 healthy controls were analyzed.
    • Patients were categorized into groups based on etiology: CFP, chronic severe hepatic disorders (CSH), primary malabsorption syndrome (PMS), and malnutrition (M).

    Main Results:

    • Mean FC levels (U/g) were significantly lower in CFP patients (2 +/- 2) compared to controls (34 +/- 6).
    • FC levels in CFP patients were also significantly lower than in M (15 +/- 6), CSH (19 +/- 9), and PMS (43 +/- 13) groups.
    • Statistically significant differences were observed between CFP patients and all other groups.

    Conclusions:

    • Fecal chymotrypsin levels show promise as a diagnostic indicator for cystic fibrosis of the pancreas in children.
    • FC testing can effectively differentiate CFP from other causes of pancreatic insufficiency, aiding in diagnosis and management.

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