Two-stage triolein breath test differentiates pancreatic insufficiency from other causes of malabsorption

In 24 patients with malabsorption, [14C]triolein breath tests were conducted before and together with the administration of pancreatic enzymes (Pancrease, Johnson and Johnson, Skillman, N.J.). Eleven patients with pancreatic insufficiency had a significant rise in peak percent dose per hour 14CO2 excretion after Pancrease, whereas 13 patients with other causes of malabsorption had no increase in 14CO2 excretion (2.61 +/- 0.96 vs. 0.15 +/- 0.45, p less than 0.001). The two-stage [14C]triolein breath test appears to be an accurate and simple noninvasive test of fat malabsorption that differentiates steatorrhea secondary to pancreatic insufficiency from other causes of steatorrhea.