Recommendations from the European guidelines for the diagnosis and therapy of pancreatic exocrine insufficiency

Pancreatic exocrine insufficiency (PEI) is defined as a reduction in pancreatic exocrine secretion below a level that allows normal digestion of nutrients. Pancreatic disease and pancreatic surgery are the main causes of PEI, but other conditions can affect the digestive function of the pancreas.

In collaboration with European Digestive Surgery (EDS), European Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (ESPGHAN), European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism (ESPEN), European Society of Digestive Oncology (ESDO), and European Society of Primary Care Gastroenterology (ESPCG) the working group developed European guidelines for the diagnosis and therapy of PEI. United European Gastroenterology (UEG) provided both endorsement and financial support for the development of the guidelines.

Recommendations covered topics related to the clinical management of PEI: concept, pathogenesis, clinical relevance, general diagnostic approach, general therapeutic approach, PEI secondary to chronic pancreatitis, PEI after acute pancreatitis, PEI associated with pancreatic cancer, PEI secondary to cystic fibrosis, PEI after pancreatic surgery, PEI after esophageal, gastric, and bariatric surgery, PEI in patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes, and PEI in other conditions.

The European guidelines for the diagnosis and therapy of PEI provide evidence-based recommendations concerning key aspects of the etiology, diagnosis, therapy, and follow-up, based on current available evidence. These recommendations should serve as a reference standard for existing management of PEI and as a guide for future clinical research. This article summarizes the recommendations and statements.