[Modified ALTAB test in the diagnosis of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency]

The indirect estimation of chymotrypsin by the tubeless ALTAB-test was performed in 17 patients with well-defined exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, 10 of them after operation for chronic pancreatitis. In comparison with 12 healthy subjects the test proved to be a non-expensive, certain and specific method for detection of moderate and severe exocrine insufficiency. It exists positive correlations with the secretin-pancreocymine-test and with the maximal stimulable secretion of insulin. Therefore the ALTAB-test after operations with modified anatomy of the gastro-intestinal tract especially is able to substitute extensive testing of secretion in screening and controlling of progression. The value of the 3-hour serum level of PABA corresponds to the urine output within 6 hours. There are such advantages like independence from the kidney-function, avoidance of incomplete urine-collection and a considerable reduced test-time too.