Serum pancreatic enzymes in the elderly

Immunoreactive trypsin (IRT) and pancreatic lipase were measured in serum from 37 geriatric in-patients (median age 77.5 years) without history of diarrhoea, pancreatic disease, diabetes or acute or chronic alcoholic intake. IRT and pancreatic lipase concentrations/activity were strongly correlated and were markedly elevated when compared with a control population of 22 subjects (median age 27 years). Such elevations in pancreatic enzymes indicate a subclinical damage of exocrine pancreatic tissue. Assessment of exocrine pancreatic function in the geriatric age group should not be based on pancreatic enzyme levels in serum.