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Clinical value of serum immunoreactive trypsin concentration
British Medical Journal (Clinical Research Ed.)
|November 28, 1981
Summary
Serum trypsin levels are not a reliable indicator for diagnosing pancreatic diseases. This study found low sensitivity and specificity, suggesting it may not accurately reflect pancreatic function or exocrine insufficiency.
Area of Science:
- Clinical Chemistry
- Gastroenterology
- Diagnostic Biomarkers
Background:
- Serum immunoreactive trypsin is a potential biomarker for pancreatic function.
- Accurate diagnosis of pancreatic disease is crucial for effective management.
- Previous studies suggested clinical utility, necessitating further evaluation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the clinical value of serum immunoreactive trypsin concentration estimation.
- To assess its diagnostic accuracy for pancreatic diseases.
- To determine its correlation with exocrine insufficiency.
Main Methods:
- Study included healthy controls, hospitalized controls, chronic pancreatitis patients, and non-pancreatic disease patients.
- Serum trypsin concentrations were measured and analyzed.
- Comparison with Lundh test for tryptic activity and assessment of pancreatic steatorrhoea.
Main Results:
- Serum trypsin showed a wide normal range and low specificity (11% abnormal in non-pancreatic disease).
- Abnormal concentrations were found in only 13/27 chronic pancreatitis patients and were variable in pancreatic cancer.
- No correlation with Lundh test results; subnormal levels did not consistently indicate pancreatic disease or exocrine insufficiency.
Conclusions:
- Serum immunoreactive trypsin demonstrates low sensitivity and specificity for diagnosing pancreatic diseases.
- It does not reliably reflect the degree of exocrine insufficiency in chronic pancreatitis.
- Clinical utility of this biomarker for pancreatic disease diagnosis is limited.