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[Relations between disordered exocrine pancreas function, alcohol consumption and age in alcoholics]
Zeitschrift Fur Alternsforschung
|March 1, 1986
Summary
Twenty-eight percent of alcohol addicts undergoing withdrawal showed disturbed exocrine pancreas function, often linked to alcohol-induced pancreatitis. Severity correlated with alcohol intake and patient age.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Pancreatology
- Toxicology
Context:
- Alcohol addiction is a significant public health issue with known systemic effects.
- Pancreatic dysfunction is a potential complication of chronic alcohol abuse.
- Understanding the specific impact on exocrine function is crucial for patient management.
Purpose:
- To investigate the prevalence and characteristics of exocrine pancreas dysfunction in alcohol addicts during clinical withdrawal.
- To identify factors influencing the severity of pancreatic dysfunction.
- To elucidate the specific functional alterations in exocrine pancreas secretion.
Summary:
- A study of 72 alcohol addicts found disturbed exocrine pancreas function in 28%, often associated with alcohol-induced pancreatitis.
- Secretin pancreozymin tests revealed altered bicarbonate and enzyme outputs, with delayed peak secretion times for bicarbonate, trypsin, and chymotrypsin compared to amylase.
- Dysfunction severity was linked to daily alcohol consumption and patient age, particularly in the 30-50 age group.
Impact:
- Highlights the significant prevalence of exocrine pancreatic dysfunction in alcoholics.
- Suggests chronic alcohol consumption selectively affects hydro-kinetic and ecbolic pancreas functions.
- Informs clinical practice regarding the assessment and management of pancreatic health in alcohol-dependent individuals.